Reflector, ultraviolet irradiation unit, air conditioning device, and method of manufacturing reflector

Abstract

To enable effective UV light distribution control.SOLUTION: A reflector disclosed herein has a reflective surface (644) for reflecting UV rays, the reflective surface (644) comprising a first surface (644a) arranged at a narrow angle with an optical axis (61a) of the UV rays and a second surface (644b) arranged at a wide angle with the optical axis (61a), where the second surface (644b) has a specular reflectance lower than that of the first surface (644a).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reflector, an ultraviolet irradiation unit, an air conditioning device, and a method for manufacturing a reflector. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ultraviolet irradiation device. The ultraviolet irradiation device of Patent Document 1 includes an ultraviolet light-emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light, a reflector that converts the distribution of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light-emitting diode into parallel light, and a reflective member with a flat reflective surface that specularly reflects the ultraviolet light, all of which are arranged in this order on the optical axis of the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light-emitting diode. The ultraviolet irradiation device of Patent Document 1 irradiates the interior of an air conditioner indoor unit with ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the air inside the air conditioner indoor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-160292 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a reflector such as that described in Patent Document 1, if leakage light occurs that cannot be reflected toward the object to be irradiated, it is preferable that the light distribution control unit can also accommodate the leakage light and effectively control the light distribution of ultraviolet light.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to effectively control the ultraviolet light distribution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect relates to a reflector. The reflector has a reflective surface (644) that reflects ultraviolet light, the reflective surface (644) including a first surface (644a) that forms a narrow angle with respect to an optical axis (61a) of the ultraviolet light, and a second surface (644b) that forms a wide angle with respect to the optical axis (61a), and the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) is lower than the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a).

[0007] In the first aspect, the ultraviolet light distribution control section can be effectively controlled.

[0008] The second aspect is the first aspect, wherein the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a) is 50% or more.

[0009] In the second embodiment, the first surface (644a) can effectively reflect ultraviolet rays.

[0010] A third aspect is the first or second aspect, wherein the regular reflectance of the second surface (644b) is 30% or less.

[0011] In the third aspect, the energy amount of the ultraviolet leakage light (L42) can be effectively reduced.

[0012] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the material of the first surface (644a) and the material of the second surface (644b) include a common material.

[0013] In the fourth aspect, an increase in the manufacturing cost of the reflector can be suppressed.

[0014] A fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the material of the second surface (644b) includes a metal material.

[0015] In the fifth aspect, deterioration of the reflector due to ultraviolet rays can be suppressed.

[0016] A sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) is different from the surface roughness of the second surface (644b).

[0017] In the sixth embodiment, the specular reflectance can be controlled by adjusting the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b).

[0018] A seventh aspect is the sixth aspect, wherein the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) is 0.05 μm or less, and the surface roughness of the second surface (644b) is 0.1 μm or more.

[0019] In the seventh aspect, by making the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) lower than the surface roughness of the second surface (644b), the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a) can be made higher than the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b).

[0020] An eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein a material that absorbs ultraviolet light is disposed on the second surface (644b).

[0021] In the eighth aspect, the regular reflectance of the second surface (644b) can be reduced by absorbing ultraviolet rays with the material disposed on the second surface (644b).

[0022] The ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the structure is such that a plurality of members (64A, 64B) are joined together.

[0023] In the ninth aspect, the reflector can be easily manufactured.

[0024] A tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the reflecting surface (644) is formed on the inside of the cylindrical shape and is coaxial with the optical axis (61a).

[0025] In the tenth aspect, ultraviolet light can be reflected by a cylindrical reflector.

[0026] An eleventh aspect is directed to an ultraviolet irradiation unit, which includes the reflector of any one of the first to tenth aspects, a light source (61) that irradiates ultraviolet light, a lens (631) that faces the light source (61), and a lens support part (632) that supports the lens (631) and is disposed inside the reflector.

[0027] In the eleventh aspect, the ultraviolet light distribution control section can be effectively controlled by the reflector.

[0028] A twelfth aspect is the eleventh aspect, wherein the second surface (644b) is located at a contact point between the reflector and the lens support portion (632).

[0029] In the twelfth aspect, the leakage ultraviolet light (L42) is reflected by the second surface (644b) to reduce the amount of energy of the leakage light (L42), thereby making it possible to prevent unintended leakage of ultraviolet light.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect is the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the lens support portion (632) is translucent, and the second surface (644b) of the reflector faces the lens support portion (632).

[0031] In the thirteenth aspect, the lens support portion (632) is translucent, thereby preventing the lens support portion (632) from being deteriorated by ultraviolet rays, and further, the leakage ultraviolet light (L42) is reflected by the second surface (644b) to reduce the amount of energy of the leakage light, thereby preventing unintended leakage of ultraviolet rays.

[0032] A fourteenth aspect is any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the first surface (644a) is located at a position farther away from the light source (61) than the second surface (644b).

[0033] In the fourteenth aspect, the second surface (644b) can reflect light leaking from the light source (61) at a location closer to the light source (61) than the first surface (644a).

[0034] A fifteenth aspect is any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the second surface (644b) is located between the light source (61) and the lens (631) in the opposing direction (Z) between the light source (61) and the lens (631).

[0035] In the fifteenth aspect, the ultraviolet light (L42) leaking laterally from the light source (61) can be reflected by the second surface (644b).

[0036] A sixteenth aspect is directed to an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes the ultraviolet irradiation unit according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects and a casing (20a, 31) of an indoor unit (30) or an outdoor unit (20), and the ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed inside the casing (20a, 31).

[0037] In the sixteenth aspect, the ultraviolet light distribution control section can be effectively controlled by the reflector.

[0038] A seventeenth aspect relates to a method for manufacturing a reflector, the method including a reflecting surface (644) positioned outside an optical axis (61a) of ultraviolet light and reflecting the ultraviolet light, the method including the steps of forming a first surface (644a) that is a part of the reflecting surface (644), forming a second surface (644b) that is another part of the reflecting surface (644) so ​​as to have a surface roughness different from that of the first surface (644a), and depositing a metal material film on the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b), wherein the first surface (644a) forms a narrow angle with respect to the optical axis (61a) and the second surface (644b) forms a wide angle with respect to the optical axis (61a), and the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a) is higher than the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b).

[0039] In the seventeenth aspect, the ultraviolet light distribution control section can be effectively implemented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a piping diagram of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the air conditioner. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view of the front first heat exchange section as seen from the first outflow surface side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet irradiation unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the substrate. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views of the lens member. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the reflector, and Figure 8(b) is a bottom view of the reflector. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) is a perspective view of the first part of the reflector, Figure 9(b) is a front view of the first part of the reflector, and Figure 9(c) is a side view of the first part of the reflector. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a perspective view of the second part of the reflector, Figure 10(b) is a front view of the second part of the reflector, and Figure 10(c) is a side view of the second part of the reflector. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional end view of the reflector when the reflector is cut along the optical axis. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) shows test data showing the relationship between surface roughness and specular reflectance, and Figure 12(b) is a dot graph of the test data shown in Figure 12(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

[0042] (1) Overview of air conditioning equipment The ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 is applied to an air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 conditions the air in an indoor space I, which is a target space. The air conditioner 10 adjusts the temperature of the indoor air.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner (10) has an outdoor unit (20) (outdoor unit), an indoor unit (30) (indoor unit), a first connecting pipe (12), and a second connecting pipe (13). The outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) are connected to each other via the first connecting pipe (12) and the second connecting pipe (13), thereby forming a refrigerant circuit (11). The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating a refrigerant.

[0044] The outdoor unit (20) is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (20) has an outdoor casing (20a) and outdoor elements housed in the outdoor casing (20a). The outdoor elements include a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an expansion valve (23), a four-way selector valve (24), and an outdoor fan (25). The compressor (21) compresses the refrigerant it draws in and discharges the compressed refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and outdoor air transported by the outdoor fan (25). The expansion valve (23) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The four-way selector valve (24) switches the flow of the refrigerant between cooling operation and heating operation. In cooling operation, the four-way selector valve (24) is in a first state (the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1 ), and the refrigerant flows in the direction of the dashed arrow. In the heating operation, the four-way selector valve (24) is in the second state (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1), and the refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by the solid arrow.

[0045] (2) Indoor unit configuration The configuration of the indoor unit (30) will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. In the following description, terms such as "front," "rear," "right," "left," "upper," and "lower" are based on the directions indicated by the arrows in Figures 2 and 3.

[0046] The indoor unit (30) is installed in the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) of this embodiment is a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner installed on a wall of the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) has a casing (31) and indoor elements housed in the casing (31). The indoor elements include an air filter (41), an indoor heat exchanger (50), an indoor fan (42), a drain pan (43), and a flap (44).

[0047] (2-1) Casing The casing (31) constitutes a flow path forming member that forms the air flow path (34). The casing (31) is formed in a horizontally elongated hollow shape. The longitudinal direction of the casing (31) corresponds to the left-right direction.

[0048] The casing (31) is formed with an inlet (32) and an outlet (33). The inlet (32) is an opening for taking air from the indoor space (I) into the air flow path (34). The outlet (33) is an opening for blowing air from the air flow path (34) into the indoor space (I). The air flow path (34) is formed inside the casing (31) from the inlet (32) to the outlet (33).

[0049] (2-2) Air filter The air filter (41) is disposed in the air flow path (34) upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (50). The air filter (41) is disposed along the air inlet (32) and on the far side of the air inlet (32). The air filter (41) is a mesh member. The air filter (41) collects dust in the air sucked through the air inlet (32).

[0050] (2-3) Indoor heat exchanger The indoor heat exchanger (50) is disposed in the air flow path (34) upstream of the indoor fan (42). The indoor heat exchanger (50) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (50) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the indoor air transported by the indoor fan (42).

[0051] The indoor heat exchanger (50) has a plurality of fins (51) and a heat transfer tube (52) passing through the plurality of fins (51). The fins (51) are formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate. The fins (51) are made of, for example, aluminum.

[0052] The fins (51) are arranged in a first direction so as to be parallel to one another in the thickness direction of the fins. The heat transfer tube (52) has a U-shaped portion (52a) and a straight portion (52b). The straight portion (52b) penetrates the fins (51) in the thickness direction. The extending direction of the straight portion (52b) corresponds to the first direction.

[0053] (2-4) Indoor fan, drain pan, and flap The indoor fan (42) is an example of a fan. The indoor fan (42) is a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan (42) is driven to rotate by a fan motor. The direction of the rotation axis of the indoor fan (42) corresponds to the first direction. In other words, the indoor fan (42) has an outer shape whose longitudinal direction is the first direction.

[0054] The drain pan (43) is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (50). The drain pan (43) is a tray that receives water generated in the casing (31). The drain pan (43) receives condensation water generated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50).

[0055] The flap (44) constitutes an airflow direction adjusting unit that adjusts the direction of the blown air. The flap (44) adjusts the vertical direction of the blown air. The flap (44) may also adjust the horizontal direction of the blown air.

[0056] (3) Ultraviolet irradiation unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the air conditioner (10) includes an ultraviolet irradiation unit (60). The ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) is disposed in the air flow path (34) of the indoor unit (30). The ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) forms an ultraviolet irradiation region (R) in the air flow path (34). The ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) is disposed inside the casing (31) and irradiates the inside of the casing (31) with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) inactivates bacteria and viruses in the air inside the casing (31) with ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) inactivates bacteria and viruses in the air in the air flow path (34) with ultraviolet light.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4 , the ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) includes a light source (61), a first reflecting portion (70), and a second reflecting portion (80). The light source (61) and the second reflecting portion (80) are disposed at one end of the air flow path (34) in the first direction, and the first reflecting portion (70) is disposed at the other end of the air flow path (34) in the first direction. The light source (61) includes, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The light source (61) emits ultraviolet light. The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source (61) is, for example, 280 nm or less. This can improve the sterilizing effect on air. The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source (61) is preferably 255 nm or more and 275 nm or less. This can particularly improve the sterilizing effect on air. The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source (61) may be 230 nm or less. This improves the safety of human exposure to ultraviolet light even if the ultraviolet light leaks outside the casing (31). The first reflecting portion (70) reflects the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source (61). The second reflecting portion (80) reflects the ultraviolet light emitted by the first reflecting portion (70).

[0058] (4) Detailed configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation unit As shown in FIG. 5, the ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) includes a substrate (62), a lens member (63), and a reflector (64).

[0059] (4-1) Substrate As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the board (62) has an electric circuit that controls the light source (61). The board (62) is included in the control unit (C). The control unit (C) switches the light source (61) on and off and adjusts the output of the light source (61). The control unit (C) of this embodiment is incorporated into an air conditioning controller that controls the air conditioner (10). The light source (61) is fixed to the board (62). A heat sink (65) is provided on the board (62) to dissipate heat from the light source (61). The board (62) includes a first hole (621) for positioning the lens member (63) and a second hole (622) for positioning the reflector (64).

[0060] (4-2) Lens components 5, 7(a), and 7(b), the lens member (63) has a lens (631) and a lens support portion (632). The lens (631) constitutes a light distribution control portion that distributes ultraviolet light from the light source (61). The lens (631) is disposed opposite the light source (61) with a gap therebetween.

[0061] Hereinafter, the direction in which the light source (61) and the lens (631) face each other may be referred to as the facing direction (Z). Of the facing direction (Z), the direction from the light source (61) to the lens (631) may be referred to as one side (Z1) of the facing direction (Z), and the direction from the lens (631) to the light source (61) may be referred to as the other side (Z2) of the facing direction (Z).

[0062] The lens support portion (632) supports the lens (631). The lens support portion (632) is translucent and transmits ultraviolet light. The translucency of the lens support portion (632) prevents the lens support portion (632) from being deteriorated by ultraviolet light. The lens support portion (632) has a cylindrical shape with both ends open in the facing direction (Z). The lens (631) is disposed at an end portion (632a) of the lens support portion (632) on one side (Z1) in the facing direction (Z). The opening of the lens support portion (632) on the one side (Z1) in the facing direction is closed by the lens (631). An opening (632b) communicating between the inside and outside of the lens support portion (632) is formed at an end portion (632c) of the lens support portion (632) on the other side (Z2) in the facing direction (Z). The light source 61 is located inside the opening 632b. The lens support 632 is fixed to the substrate 62. Specifically, an end 632c of the lens support 632 is directly fixed to the substrate 62 by screwing or the like. The lens support 632 may be indirectly fixed to the substrate 62 by being fixed to a member, such as a heat sink 65, that is fixed to the substrate 62. In this embodiment, the end 632c of the lens support 632 is formed into a flange shape that bulges outward. A first protrusion 632d that is inserted into a first hole 621 of the substrate 62 is disposed on the end 632c of the lens support 632. The lens member 63 is positioned by inserting the first protrusion 632d into the first hole 621 of the substrate 62.

[0063] (4-3) Reflector The reflector (64) reflects ultraviolet light from the light source (61). The reflector (64) constitutes a light distribution control unit that distributes ultraviolet light from the light source (61). As shown in FIGS. 5, 8(a), and 8(b), the reflector (64) has a cylindrical shape with both ends open in the opposing direction (Z). The reflector (64) includes a first opening (641) formed at an end on one side (Z1) in the opposing direction (Z) and a second opening (642) formed at an end on the other side (Z2) in the opposing direction (Z). The first opening (641) and the second opening (642) each connect the interior and exterior of the reflector (64).

[0064] The reflector (64) includes a reflective surface (644) that reflects ultraviolet light. The reflective surface (644) is an inner surface of the reflector (64). The reflective surface (644) includes a first surface (644a) and a second surface (644b). The first surface (644a) is a surface of the reflective surface (644) located on one side (Z1) of the facing direction (Z). The second surface (644b) is a surface of the reflective surface (644) located on the other side (Z2) of the facing direction (Z). Each of the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b) is a surface formed in an annular shape around the optical axis (61a) of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source (61). In this embodiment, the optical axis (61a) is a virtual line that passes through the light source (61) and the lens (631) and is parallel to the facing direction (Z). The optical axis 61a, the axis of the lens support part 632, and the axis of the reflector 64 are all coaxial. The axis of the lens support part 632 is an imaginary line passing through the center of the lens 631 and the center of the opening 632b of the lens support part 632. The axis of the reflector 64 is an imaginary line passing through the centers of the openings 641 and 642 at both ends of the reflector 64.

[0065] The area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to the facing direction (Z) in the space surrounded by the first surface (644a) increases toward one side (Z1) in the facing direction (Z). The area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to the facing direction (Z) in the space surrounded by the second surface (644b) increases toward the other side (Z2) in the facing direction (Z). The first surface (644a) is located farther from the light source (61) than the second surface (644b). In terms of the position in the facing direction (Z), the second surface (644b) is located between the light source (61) and the lens (631).

[0066] The reflector 64 is fixed to the substrate 62. Specifically, an end 643 of the reflector 64 is directly fixed to the substrate 62 by screwing or the like. The reflector 64 may be indirectly fixed to the substrate 62 by being fixed to a member, such as a heat sink 65, that is fixed to the substrate 62. In this embodiment, the end 643 of the reflector 64 is formed in a flange shape that bulges outward. A second protrusion 643a that is inserted into a second hole 622 of the substrate 62 is disposed on the end 643 of the reflector 64. The reflector 64 is positioned by inserting the second protrusion 643a into the second hole 622 of the substrate 62.

[0067] The lens member 63 (lens 631 and lens support 632) is disposed inside the reflector 64. The second surface 644b of the reflector 64 faces the lens support 632. In this embodiment, the second surface 644b of the reflector 64 is located at a contact point between the reflector 64 and the lens support 632. Note that the second surface 644b of the reflector 64 may be out of contact with the lens support 632 by forming a gap between the second surface 644b of the reflector 64 and the lens support 632. A step 643b is formed in a portion of the end 643 of the reflector 64 that is located around the second opening 642. The end 632c of the lens support 632 is sandwiched between the step 643b of the reflector 64 and the substrate 62.

[0068] 8(a) to 10(c), the reflector (64) has a structure in which a plurality of members are joined together. In this embodiment, the reflector (64) includes a first portion (64A) and a second portion (64B), and has a structure in which the first portion (64A) and the second portion (64B) are joined together. When the reflector (64) is divided into two equal parts along the facing direction (Z), one portion is the first portion (64A) and the other portion is the second portion (64B).

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c), the first portion (64A) of the reflector (64) includes a first opposing surface (64A1) facing the second portion (64B). A first joining protrusion (64A2) and a first joining hole (64A3) are arranged on the first opposing surface (64A1). As shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c), the second portion (64B) of the reflector (64) includes a second opposing surface (64B1) facing the first portion (64A). A second joining protrusion (64B2) and a second joining hole (64B3) are arranged on the second opposing surface (64B1). 8(a) to 10(c), the first opposing surface (64A1) of the first portion (64A) and the second opposing surface (64B1) of the second portion (64B) are butted against each other, the first joining protrusion (64A2) is inserted into the second joining hole (64B3), and the second joining protrusion (64B2) is further inserted into the first joining hole (64A3), thereby joining the first portion (64A) and the second portion (64B) to form the reflector (64). Note that convex members such as the joining protrusions (64A2, 64B2) for joining the first portion (64A) and the second portion (64B) and concave members such as the joining holes (64A3, 64B3) may be disposed in both the first portion (64A) and the second portion (64B). Alternatively, the convex member may be disposed on one of the first portion 64A and the second portion 64B, and the concave member may be disposed on the other. Alternatively, the first portion 64A and the second portion 64B may be connected together using a pair of the convex member and the concave member.

[0070] (4-4) Direction of ultraviolet rays In Fig. 5, the dashed arrows schematically show the directions of travel of ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 61. As shown in Fig. 5, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 61 include a first ultraviolet ray (L1) and a second ultraviolet ray (L2) traveling toward the lens 631, a third ultraviolet ray (L31) traveling toward the first surface 644a of the reflector 64, and a fourth ultraviolet ray (L41) traveling toward the second surface 644b of the reflector 64.

[0071] The first ultraviolet light (L1) travels along the optical axis (61a) toward one side (Z1) of the opposing direction (Z) without being refracted by the lens (631).

[0072] The second ultraviolet light (L2) is refracted when passing through the lens (631), and therefore after passing through the lens (631), it travels in a direction different from that before passing through the lens (631). The second ultraviolet light (L2) that has passed through the lens (631) travels closer to the optical axis (61a) as it travels toward one side (Z1) of the opposing direction (Z).

[0073] The third ultraviolet light (L31) passes through the lens support portion (632) and reaches the first surface (644a) of the reflector (64), where it is reflected by the first surface (644a). The third ultraviolet light (L31) specularly reflected by the first surface (644a) may be referred to as reflected light (L32). Specular reflection occurs when the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are equal on the reflecting surface. The reflected light (L32) travels in a different direction from the third ultraviolet light (L31). As the reflected light (L32) travels toward one side (Z1) of the opposing direction (Z), it approaches the optical axis (61a).

[0074] The first ultraviolet light (L1), the second ultraviolet light (L2), and the reflected light (L32) are irradiated so as to be condensed within a predetermined irradiation area of ​​an irradiation object located on the optical axis (61a) and away from the light source (61) to one side (Z1) in the opposing direction (Z). In this embodiment, the irradiation object is the first reflecting section (70) (see FIG. 4).

[0075] The fourth ultraviolet light (L41) passes through the lens support portion (632) and reaches the second surface (644b) of the reflector (64), where it is reflected by the second surface (644b). The fourth ultraviolet light (L41) specularly reflected by the second surface (644b) may be referred to as leakage light (L42). The leakage light (L42) does not travel in a direction approaching the optical axis (61a) (a direction in which the light is focused within a predetermined irradiation area of ​​the irradiation target) like the reflected light (L32), and is not irradiated at the desired location.

[0076] (4-5) Configuration of the first and second surfaces of the reflector FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional end view of the reflector (64) taken along the optical axis (61a). As shown in FIG. 11, the first surface (644a) forms a narrow angle with respect to the optical axis (61a) passing through an object to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. The narrow angle with respect to the optical axis (61a) indicates that the first surface (644a) reflects ultraviolet light (third ultraviolet light (L31)) so that the specularly reflected ultraviolet light (reflected light (L32)) is focused within a predetermined irradiation area located on the optical axis (61a). The second surface (644b) forms a wide angle with respect to the optical axis (61a) passing through an object to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. The wide angle with respect to the optical axis (61a) indicates that the second surface (644b) reflects ultraviolet light (fourth ultraviolet light (L41)) so that the specularly reflected ultraviolet light (leakage light (L42)) is not focused within the predetermined irradiation area. As a result, the leaked light (L42) specularly reflected by the second surface (644b) travels toward a location away from the predetermined irradiation area.

[0077] The specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) is lower than that of the first surface (644a). The specular reflectance of the first surface (644a) is, for example, 50% or more. The specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) is, for example, 30% or less. The specular reflectance of the first surface (644a) and the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) may be the specular reflectance of the entire surface of each of the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b), or may be the specular reflectance of a partial region of the entire surface (for example, a region of the entire surface onto which ultraviolet rays are concentrated).

[0078] (5) Effects of the embodiment Because the second surface (644b) is close to the lens support portion (632) (see FIG. 6 ), it is difficult to form the second surface (644b) in a shape that forms a narrow angle with respect to the optical axis (61a) because the lens support portion (632) interferes. In particular, when the ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) is modularized and miniaturized, the shape of the second surface (644b) that is close to the lens support portion (632) is further restricted, making it more difficult to form the second surface (644b) in a shape similar to the first surface (644a) that forms a narrow angle with respect to the optical axis (61a). Therefore, in this embodiment, the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) is set lower than the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a). This allows ultraviolet light that can be focused on the irradiation target to be reflected by the first surface (644a) with its high specular reflectance and effectively focused on the irradiation target. Furthermore, by reflecting the ultraviolet light that cannot be focused on the irradiation target (leakage light (L42)) by the second surface (644b) with low specular reflectance and reducing the amount of energy, the amount of ultraviolet light exposed to objects other than the irradiation target (such as various devices inside the casing (31)) can be reduced, thereby suppressing deterioration of those objects. Furthermore, since the direction of the ultraviolet light that cannot be focused on the irradiation target (leakage light (L42)) can be controlled by the second surface (644b), leakage of ultraviolet light into unintended areas (for example, leakage of ultraviolet light outside the casing (31)) can be suppressed. As a result, the reflector (64) can effectively control the light distribution of ultraviolet light.

[0079] (6) Other embodiments The first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b) may be made of a common material (for example, aluminum), which can prevent an increase in the manufacturing cost of the reflector (64).

[0080] The second surface (644b) may include a metal material (for example, aluminum), which can prevent the reflector (64) from being deteriorated by ultraviolet rays.

[0081] FIG. 12(a) shows test data showing the relationship between surface roughness and specular reflectance. The inventors irradiated the reflecting surface (644) with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 256 nm each time the surface roughness of the reflecting surface (644) of the reflector (64) was changed, and measured the specular reflectance of the reflecting surface (644). FIG. 12(b) is a dot graph showing the test data shown in FIG. 12(a). As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), for a configuration in which ultraviolet light is reflected by the reflecting surface (644), the specular reflectance tends to decrease as the surface roughness of the reflecting surface (644) increases. Therefore, the inventors confirmed that the specular reflectance can be controlled by adjusting the surface roughness. Based on the above, the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b) may be made different from each other, with the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) being smaller than the surface roughness of the second surface (644b). For example, the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) is set to 0.05 μm or less, and the surface roughness of the second surface (644b) is set to 0.1 μm or more, thereby controlling the specular reflectance of each of the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b), and making the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) lower than the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a).

[0082] When the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) and the surface roughness of the second surface (644b) are to be different from each other, the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b) can be formed from the same material and the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b) can be processed so that the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) and the surface roughness of the second surface (644b) are different from each other, so there is no need to form the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b) from different materials. For example, when manufacturing the reflector (64) by mold molding (injection molding), the roughness (degree of unevenness) of the molding surface of the first surface (644a) in the mold is made different from the roughness of the molding surface of the second surface (644b). As a result, the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b) of the reflector (64) are textured so that the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) and the surface roughness of the second surface (644b) are different from each other. As a result, the reflector (64) can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, an increase in the manufacturing cost of the reflector (64) can be suppressed.

[0083] When manufacturing the reflector 64 by mold molding (injection molding), the first surface 644a and the second surface 644b of the mold may have different roughnesses, thereby forming the first surface 644a and the second surface 644b with different surface roughnesses. Then, a film of a metal material (e.g., aluminum) may be formed (by vapor deposition, plating, sputtering, etc.) on the first surface 644a and the second surface 644b. By dividing the reflector 64 into multiple members (the first portion 64A and the second portion 64B), the annular first surface 644a and the second surface 644b can be divided into multiple arc-shaped surfaces, facilitating film formation.

[0084] A material that absorbs ultraviolet light may be disposed on the second surface (644b). For example, the second surface (644b) may be coated with an ultraviolet absorber. Note that the configuration in which a material that absorbs ultraviolet light is disposed on the second surface (644b) and the configuration in which the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) and the surface roughness of the second surface (644b) are different from each other may be used in combination.

[0085] The reflector (64) has a structure in which a plurality of members are joined together, but it may also be a single member.

[0086] In this embodiment, the lens 631 and the lens support 632 are integrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The lens 631 and the lens support 632 may be separate bodies, and the lens 631 may be detachable from the lens support 632. In this case, for example, a lens engagement portion (e.g., a protrusion) may be provided on the lens 631, and a support engagement portion (e.g., a hole) that engages with the lens engagement portion may be provided on the lens support 632. The lens 631 may be attached to the lens support 632 by engaging the lens engagement portion with the support engagement portion (inserting the protrusion of the lens 631 into the hole of the lens support 632), and the lens 631 may be detached from the lens support 632 by disengaging the support engagement portion from the lens engagement portion (removing the protrusion of the lens 631 from the hole of the lens support 632).

[0087] The heat transfer tube (52) does not have to be a circular tube, but may be a flat multi-hole tube.

[0088] The light distribution control section of the light source (61) may be the reflector (64) alone.

[0089] The control unit (C) may cause the ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) to irradiate ultraviolet rays while the fan (42) is stopped, which can suppress the growth of bacteria while the air conditioner (10) is stopped.

[0090] The ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) may be disposed inside the outdoor casing (20a) and may irradiate the interior of the outdoor casing (20a) with ultraviolet light. In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation unit (60) inactivates bacteria and viruses in the air inside the outdoor casing (20a) by the ultraviolet light.

[0091] The air conditioner (10) may be an indoor multi-type having two or more indoor units (30) or an outdoor multi-type having two or more outdoor units (20). The air conditioner (10) does not have to be a separate type, but may be an integrated type in which a user-side heat exchanger and a heat-source-side heat exchanger are housed in a single casing. The air conditioner (10) does not have to be a stationary type. Specifically, the air conditioner (10) may be a container refrigeration system that cools the interior space of a transport container, or may be an air conditioner for a vehicle.

[0092] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.

[0093] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of the present disclosure is not impaired.

[0094] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a reflector, an ultraviolet irradiation unit, an air conditioning device, and a method for manufacturing a reflector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Air conditioning equipment 31 Casing 61a Optical axis 70 1st reflection section 80 2nd reflection section 644 Reflective Surface 644a Page 1 644b Page 2

Claims

1. a reflective surface (644) that reflects ultraviolet light; the reflecting surface (644) includes a first surface (644a) that forms a narrow angle with respect to the optical axis (61a) of the ultraviolet light and a second surface (644b) that forms a wide angle with respect to the optical axis (61a), A reflector, wherein the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) is lower than the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a).

2. 2. The reflector of claim 1, wherein the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a) is 50% or more.

3. 3. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b) is 30% or less.

4. 3. The reflector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the material of the first surface (644a) and the material of the second surface (644b) comprise a common material.

5. 3. The reflector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the material of the second surface (644b) comprises a metallic material.

6. 3. The reflector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface roughness of the first surface (644a) is different from the surface roughness of the second surface (644b).

7. The surface roughness of the first surface (644a) is 0.05 μm or less, The reflector according to claim 6, wherein the second surface (644b) has a surface roughness of 0.1 μm or more.

8. 3. The reflector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a material that absorbs ultraviolet light is disposed on the second surface (644b).

9. The reflector according to claim 1 or 2, having a structure in which a plurality of members (64A, 64B) are joined together.

10. It has a cylindrical shape on the inside of which the reflecting surface (644) is formed, 3. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the reflector is coaxial with the optical axis (61a).

11. The reflector according to claim 1 or 2; a light source (61) for irradiating ultraviolet light; a lens (631) disposed opposite the light source (61); a lens support portion (632) that supports the lens (631) and is disposed inside the reflector; An ultraviolet irradiation unit comprising:

12. The ultraviolet irradiation unit according to claim 11, wherein the second surface (644b) is located at a contact point between the reflector and the lens support portion (632).

13. The lens support portion (632) is translucent, The ultraviolet irradiation unit according to claim 11, wherein the second surface (644b) of the reflector faces the lens support portion (632).

14. The ultraviolet irradiation unit according to claim 11, wherein the first surface (644a) is located at a position farther from the light source (61) than the second surface (644b).

15. The ultraviolet irradiation unit of claim 11, wherein the second surface (644b) is located between the light source (61) and the lens (631) in the opposing direction (Z) of the light source (61) and the lens (631).

16. The ultraviolet irradiation unit according to claim 11; a casing (20a, 31) of the indoor unit (30) or the outdoor unit (20); Equipped with The air conditioner, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed inside the casing (20a, 31).

17. A method for manufacturing a reflector including a reflective surface (644) positioned outside an optical axis (61a) of ultraviolet light and reflecting the ultraviolet light, comprising the steps of: forming a first surface (644a) that is a part of the reflecting surface (644); forming a second surface (644b) that is another part of the reflecting surface (644) so ​​as to have a surface roughness different from that of the first surface (644a); forming a metal film on the first surface (644a) and the second surface (644b); Including, The first surface (644a) forms a narrow angle with respect to the optical axis (61a), The second surface (644b) forms a wide angle with respect to the optical axis (61a), A method for manufacturing a reflector, wherein the specular reflectance of the first surface (644a) is higher than the specular reflectance of the second surface (644b).

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