Air treatment device

Abstract

To provide an air treatment device capable of suppressing obstruction of an air flow while suppressing leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of a housing by a light shielding plate.SOLUTION: An air treatment device includes a box-shaped housing, an air treatment region, a first relay region, a light source, a fan, and a light shielding module. The housing includes an opening surface in which an opening to the outside is formed. The air treatment region is provided inside the housing and performs air treatment. The first relay region is provided inside the housing so as to communicate the opening with the air processing region. The light source emits ultraviolet light into the air treatment region. The fan is operated to form an air flow inside the housing. The light shielding module includes a plurality of first light shielding plates arranged with a gap along the opening surface, and a plurality of second light shielding plates arranged with a gap along a virtual surface crossing the opening surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, air treatment devices are known that introduce air into a housing and perform sterilization or the like on the introduced air. In such air treatment devices, outside air is introduced into the housing through an inlet formed in the housing. Then, air treatment is performed on the introduced air using ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet light source disposed inside the housing. For this reason, it is necessary to suppress leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing, and this type of air treatment device is provided with a light shielding plate that blocks the emitted ultraviolet light.

[0003] In addition, in such air treatment devices, it is desirable to reduce air pressure loss by suppressing leakage of ultraviolet light outside the housing while suppressing obstruction of air flow by the light-shielding plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 2022-51137 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an air treatment device that can suppress the leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing using a light-shielding plate while suppressing the obstruction of air flow caused by the light-shielding plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air treatment device of the embodiment includes a box-shaped housing, an air treatment area, a first relay area, a light source, a fan, and a light-shielding module. The housing has an opening surface where an opening to the outside is formed. The air treatment area is provided inside the housing and performs air treatment. The first relay area is provided inside the housing so as to communicate between the opening and the air treatment area. The light source emits ultraviolet light into the air treatment area. The fan, when activated, creates an air flow inside the housing. The light-shielding module includes a plurality of first light-shielding plates aligned with gaps along the opening surface, and a plurality of second light-shielding plates aligned with gaps along an imaginary plane intersecting the opening surface. Each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates includes a first extension plate portion aligned along the opening surface and a first protruding plate portion protruding from the first extension plate portion toward the first relay area. Each of the plurality of second light-shielding plates includes a second extending plate portion that extends along the imaginary plane, and a second protruding plate portion that protrudes from the second extending plate portion toward the first relay area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air treatment device that can suppress leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing using a light-shielding plate while suppressing obstruction of air flow due to the light-shielding plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an air treatment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example air treatment device of FIG. 1, with the top wall of the housing omitted. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the example of the air treatment device of FIG. 1, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the height direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the example of the air treatment device of FIG. 1, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the light-shielding module and the configuration in the vicinity thereof in the example air treatment device of FIG. 1, cut along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a light-shielding module in an embodiment, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a light-shielding module in the example air treatment device of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the first light-shielding plate in a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the second light-shielding plate in a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the fan box and the configuration in the vicinity thereof, cut along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating blocking of ultraviolet light in the second relay region in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The air treatment device (1) of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing (3), an air treatment area (13), a first relay area (15), a light source (31), a fan (25), and a light-shielding module (11). The housing (3) has an opening surface where an opening (8) to the outside is formed. The air treatment area (13) is disposed inside the housing (3) and performs air treatment. The first relay area (15) is disposed inside the housing (3) so as to connect the opening (8) and the air treatment area (13). The light source (31) emits ultraviolet light into the air treatment area (13). The fan (25) is activated to create an air flow inside the housing (3). The light-shielding module (11) includes a plurality of first light-shielding plates (42) arranged with gaps between them along the opening surface of the opening (8) and a plurality of second light-shielding plates (52) arranged with gaps between them along an imaginary plane (B1). Each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates (42) includes a first extending plate portion (43) along the opening surface and a first protruding plate portion (45) protruding from the first extending plate portion (43) toward the first relay area (15). Each of the plurality of second light-shielding plates (52) includes a first extending plate portion (43) along the imaginary plane (B1) and a second protruding plate portion (54) protruding from the first extending plate portion (43) toward the first relay area (15). This makes it possible to reduce leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing (3) while suppressing obstruction of air flow by the light-shielding plates, thereby reducing air pressure loss.

[0010] In the air treatment device (1) of this embodiment, the light-shielding module (11) further includes a frame portion (37). The frame portion (37), together with the plurality of first light-shielding plates (42) and the plurality of second light-shielding plates (52), forms the periphery of the first relay area (15) and covers the first relay area (15) from a direction different from that of the plurality of first light-shielding plates (42) and the second light-shielding plates (52). In the light-shielding module (11), the plurality of first light-shielding plates (42), the plurality of second light-shielding plates (52), and the frame portion (37) are detachable as a unit from the housing (3). This facilitates maintenance, such as cleaning dust that accumulates inside the air treatment device (1).

[0011] In the air treatment device (1) of this embodiment, in each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates (42), the first protruding plate portion (45) is connected to an end of the first extending plate portion (43), and the first protruding plate portion (45) and the first extending plate portion (43) form an L-shaped cross-sectional shape. In each of the plurality of second light-shielding plates (52), the second protruding plate portion (54) is connected to an end of the second extending plate portion 53, and the first protruding plate portion (45) and the first extending plate portion (43) form an L-shaped cross-sectional shape. This further reduces leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing (3) while suppressing obstruction of the air flow by the light-shielding plates, thereby reducing air pressure loss.

[0012] The air treatment device (1) of this embodiment further includes a holding member (61). A second opening (9) to the outside is formed in the housing (3) at a position different from the first opening (8). A fan (25) is disposed inside the housing (3) in a second transition area (16) between the second opening (9) and the air treatment area (13). When the fan (25) is operated, an air flow is formed between the first opening (8) and the second opening (9) through the first transition area (15), the air treatment area (13), and the second transition area (16). Inside the housing (3), the base assembly (2) forms a first peripheral surface (56) that is the peripheral surface of the air treatment area (13) and a second peripheral surface (58) that is the peripheral surface of the second transition area (16) and has a higher ultraviolet absorption rate than the first peripheral surface (56). The holding member (61) holds the fan (25) in the second relay area (16). A line segment connecting a boundary position (60a) between the first circumferential surface (56) and the second circumferential surface (58) and a furthest position (60b) from the boundary position (60a) on the edge of the second opening (9) passes through the holding member (61). This makes it possible to suppress leakage of ultraviolet light from the second relay area (16) to the outside of the housing (3).

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

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an air treatment device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air treatment device 1 includes a base assembly 2, which includes a housing 3 that forms the exterior of the air treatment device 1. The housing 3 is box-shaped. In this embodiment, the housing 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape, but the housing 3 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped box shape. The air treatment device 1 (housing 3) has a depth direction (the direction indicated by arrows X1 and X2), a width direction (the direction indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the depth direction, and a height direction (the direction indicated by arrows Z1 and Z2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) both the depth direction and the width direction. Furthermore, in the air treatment device 1, one side in the height direction is the lower side (the side indicated by arrow Z1), and the side opposite the lower side in the height direction is the upper side (the side indicated by arrow Z2). In the following description, the lower side will also be referred to as the "front side" or "surface side," and the upper side will also be referred to as the "rear side" or "rear side."

[0015] The housing 3 includes a bottom wall 5, a top wall 6, and a peripheral wall 7, and the interior of the housing 3 is surrounded by the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7. The bottom wall 5 covers the interior of the housing 3 from below in the height direction, and the top wall 6 covers the interior of the housing 3 from above in the height direction. The bottom wall 5 and the top wall 6 are disposed facing each other in the height direction, with the interior of the housing 3 sandwiched between them. The peripheral wall 7 extends in the height direction from the bottom wall 5 to the top wall 6, and covers the interior of the housing 3 from the outer periphery. The peripheral wall 7 covers the interior of the housing 3 from the outer periphery around the entire periphery. The peripheral wall 7 may be a plurality of flat peripheral walls 7 as shown in FIG. 1, or a ring-shaped peripheral wall 7 may be disposed.

[0016] The bottom wall 5 is formed with a first opening (opening) 8 and a second opening 9, which are openings to the outside. The first opening 8 and the second opening 9 each open downward in the height direction. Therefore, the first opening 8 and the second opening 9 open toward the same side relative to each other. The first opening 8 and the second opening 9 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction and are formed side by side in the width direction. Therefore, the width direction of the air treatment device 1 coincides or nearly coincides with the arrangement direction of the first opening 8 and the second opening 9. In the housing 3, for example, the first opening 8 is provided at one end in the width direction, and the second opening 9 is provided at the end opposite to the side where the first opening 8 is located in the width direction. A central plane that divides the housing 3 in half in the width direction is defined between the first opening 8 and the second opening 9.

[0017] An opening plane is defined in each of the first opening 8 and the second opening 9. In the example of FIG. 1 , the opening plane of each of the first opening 8 and the second opening 9 is along the width direction and the depth direction, respectively, and is, for example, parallel or approximately parallel to each of the width direction and the depth direction. The opening plane of each of the first opening 8 and the second opening 9 is flush or approximately flush with the bottom wall 5. Furthermore, the opening plane of each of the first opening 8 and the second opening 9 intersects with the height direction, and is, for example, perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the height direction.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example air treatment device 1 of FIG. 1 , with the top wall 6 of the housing 3 omitted. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example air treatment device 1 of FIG. 1 , taken along a line perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the height direction. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the example air treatment device 1 of FIG. 1 , taken along a line perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. Each of FIGS. 2 to 4 shows the internal configuration of the housing 3 of the air treatment device 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , in one example, an air treatment frame (air treatment unit) 10, a shading module (shading unit) 11, and a fan box (blower unit) 12 are provided inside the housing 3. Each of the air treatment frame 10, the shading module 11, and the fan box 12 may be formed separately from the housing 3, which includes the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7, or may be at least partially formed by any one of the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7. In this embodiment, the air processing frame 10, the light blocking module 11, and the fan box 12 are each formed in a box or approximately box shape, separate from the housing 3, which includes the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7. In the air processing device 1, the air processing frame 10 and the fan box 12, together with the housing 3, form a base assembly 2. Therefore, the base assembly 2 includes the air processing frame 10 and the fan box 12 in addition to the housing 3. However, the light blocking module 11 is not a component of the base assembly 2 and is provided separately from the base assembly 2. The air processing frame 10 is provided between the light blocking module 11 and the fan box 12 in the housing 3. In the air processing device 1, an air processing region 13 covered by the air processing frame 10 is formed inside the air processing frame 10. The light blocking module 11 is provided inside the housing 3 at an end on one widthwise side (the side indicated by the arrow Y1). The light blocking module 11 is adjacent to the air processing frame 10 on one widthwise side. In the air treatment device 1, a first relay area 15 is formed inside the light blocking module 11. The fan box 12 is provided inside the housing 3 at the end opposite the side where the light blocking module 11 is located (the side indicated by the arrow Y2). The fan box 12 is adjacent to the air treatment frame 10 on the side opposite to the side where the light blocking module 11 is adjacent to the air treatment frame 10.In the air treatment device 1, a second relay area 16 covered by the fan box 12 is formed inside the fan box 12. Inside the housing 3, the air treatment area 13 communicates with the first opening 8 via the first relay area 15. The air treatment area 13 also communicates with the second opening 9 via the second relay area 16.

[0019] Because of the above-described configuration, a first imaginary plane (imaginary surface) B1 is defined between the first relay area 15 and the air treatment area 13. A second imaginary plane B2 is defined between the second relay area 16 and the air treatment area 13. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first imaginary plane B1 and the second imaginary plane B2 are aligned along the height direction and the depth direction, respectively, and are, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to the height direction and the depth direction, respectively. The first imaginary plane B1 and the second imaginary plane B2 intersect with the width direction, and are, for example, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the width direction. Therefore, the first imaginary plane B1 and the second imaginary plane B2 intersect with the opening planes of the first opening 8 and the second opening, respectively, and, in one example, are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the opening planes.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4 , the air processing device 1 is installed on a wall 23, such as a ceiling wall, in an environmental space 22, such as a room. In one example, suspension bolts or the like are attached to the top wall 6 of the housing 3, and the air processing device 1 is installed on the wall 23 using the suspension bolts or the like. The air processing device 1 is installed on the wall 23 with the first opening 8 and the second opening 9 each opening to the environmental space 22. Therefore, air can be introduced from the environmental space 22 into the housing 3 through either the first opening 8 or the second opening 9, and air can be exhausted from the inside of the housing 3 to the environmental space 22 through either the first opening 8 or the second opening 9. Furthermore, the air processing device 1 is installed on a ceiling wall, which is an example of a wall 23, with its lower side in the height direction aligned or approximately aligned with the vertically downward side (the direction of gravity).

[0021] In one example, air from the environmental space 22 or the like is introduced into the interior of the housing 3 through an inlet port that introduces air into the interior of the housing 3 by operating a fan 25 arranged in the second relay area 16, and is then exhausted to the environmental space 22 or the like through an exhaust port that exhausts air to the outside of the housing 3. For example, if the fan 25 is an exhaust fan, the air from the environmental space 22 or the like is introduced into the first relay area 15 through a first opening 8 that corresponds to the inlet port by operating the exhaust fan. The air processing area 13 is connected to the first opening 8 via the first relay area 15. Therefore, the air introduced into the first relay area 15 flows toward the air processing area 13 through a first imaginary plane B1. An ultraviolet light source (light source) 31 capable of emitting ultraviolet light is arranged in the air processing area 13, and the air in the air processing area 13 is treated using the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 31. The air processing region 13 is connected to the second opening 9 via the second relay region 16 formed in the fan box 12. Therefore, the air-processed light is directed toward the second relay region 16 via the second imaginary plane B2. The air in the second relay region 16 is exhausted to the environmental space 22 or the like via the second opening 9, which corresponds to an exhaust port. The fan 25 is not limited to an exhaust fan and may be an intake fan. In this case, the air in the environmental space 22 or the like is introduced into the second relay region 16 via the second opening 9, which corresponds to an intake port, by the operation of the intake fan. Then, the air passes through the second imaginary plane B2, the air processing region 13, and the first imaginary plane B1 in this order and proceeds toward the first relay region 15. The air is then exhausted to the environmental space 22 or the like via the first opening 8, which corresponds to an exhaust port.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , in the air treatment device 1, a space 21 is formed outside the air treatment frame 10, the light-shielding module 11, and the fan box 12, and inside the housing 3. A terminal block 35, an AC / DC converter 33, a DC / DC converter 32, a control board 36 equipped with a processing circuit, and other components are arranged in the space 21. Wiring and other components that supply AC power from an external power source, such as a commercial power source, to the air treatment device 1 are connected to the terminal block 35. The terminal block 35 supplies the AC power supplied from the external power source to the AC / DC converter 33. The AC / DC converter 33 converts the supplied AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power to the processing circuit of the control board 36 and the fan 25. The processing circuit and the fan 25 are operated by the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 33, and the processing circuit controls the operation of the fan 25. The DC / DC converter 32 converts the voltage of the DC power converted by the AC / DC converter 33 and supplies the DC power corresponding to the converted voltage to the ultraviolet light source 31 .

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the light-shielding module 11 and its surrounding components in the example air treatment device 1 of FIG. 1 , cut along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the light-shielding module 11 includes a frame portion 37, a first frame member 40, a second frame member 41, a plurality of first light-shielding plates 42, and a plurality of second light-shielding plates 52. These components included in the light-shielding module 11 are formed from a material capable of blocking ultraviolet light, such as a metal. Therefore, these components included in the light-shielding module 11 are preferably made of materials that have a high ultraviolet light absorption rate and a low ultraviolet light reflectance rate. In other words, these components included in the light-shielding module 11 are preferably made of materials that have a higher ultraviolet light absorption rate (0 to 100%) than a higher ultraviolet light reflectance rate (0 to 100%).

[0024] The frame portion 37, together with the first frame member 40, the second frame member 41, the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42, and the plurality of second light-shielding plates 52, forms the peripheral surface of the first relay area 15. The frame portion 37 covers the first relay area 15 from a direction different from that of the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 and the second light-shielding plates 52. In other words, the frame portion 37 is provided on a surface on which the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 and the second light-shielding plates 52 are not arranged. The frame portion 37 is composed of a top plate portion 38 and a peripheral plate portion 39.

[0025] The top panel portion 38 covers the inside of the first relay area 15 from the upper side in the height direction. In the example of FIG.

[0026] The peripheral plate portion 39 extends in the height direction from the first frame member 40 to the top plate portion 38, and covers the first relay area 15 from the outer periphery. However, the peripheral plate portion 39 does not cover the first relay area 15 on a surface corresponding to the first imaginary plane B1. In other words, the peripheral plate portion 39 does not cover the first relay area 15 from the side where the air treatment area 13 is located. This allows the air treatment area 13 to communicate with the first opening 8 via the first relay area 15. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the peripheral plate portion 39 is formed separately from the housing 3, including the peripheral wall 7.

[0027] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the light-shielding module 11 in an embodiment, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the light-shielding module 11 in the example of the air treatment device 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the first frame-shaped member 40 extends along the opening surface of the first opening 8 and is adjacent to the first relay area 15 below the first relay area 15 in the height direction. The first frame-shaped member 40 is formed separately from the housing 3 including the bottom wall 5. The first frame-shaped member 40 has through-holes formed therein that allow air to pass through.

[0028] The second frame member 41 extends along the first imaginary plane B1 and is adjacent to the first relay area 15 on the first imaginary plane B1 side. The second frame member 41 is formed separately from the housing 3. The second frame member 41 also has a through-hole formed therein that allows air to pass through.

[0029] Each of the multiple first light-blocking plates 42 is aligned along the opening surface of the first opening 8, with a gap between adjacent first light-blocking plates 42. In one example, the multiple first light-blocking plates 42 are aligned along the width direction of the housing 3, and are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals. Each of the multiple first light-blocking plates 42 extends along the depth direction of the housing 3 in the through-hole of the first frame-shaped member 40. Each of the multiple first light-blocking plates 42 has both ends in the depth direction of the first light-blocking plate 42 attached to the first frame-shaped member 40. Each of the multiple first light-blocking plates 42 is formed separately from any of the bottom wall 5, top wall 6, and peripheral wall 7 of the housing 3.

[0030] Each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 includes a first extending plate portion 43 and a first protruding plate portion 45. The first protruding plate portion 45 is connected to the first extending plate portion 43. The first extending plate portion 43 and the first protruding plate portion 45 each extend along the depth direction of the housing 3.

[0031] The first extension plate 43 extends along the opening surface. That is, the first extension plate 43 extends parallel or approximately parallel to the width direction of the housing 3. Here, one side of the width direction of the housing 3 is referred to as the first side (arrow Y1 side), and the opposite side to the first side is referred to as the second side (arrow Y2 side). The first side corresponds to the side of the first relay area 15 that is farther away from the air processing area 13 in the width direction of the housing 3 (distal side). The second side corresponds to the opposite side to the first side (proximal side). In one example, the first extension plate 43 is connected to the first protruding plate 45 at the first end of the first extension plate 43, which is one of the two ends, the first end and the second end. Hereinafter, the end not connected to the first protruding plate 45, of the two ends, is referred to as the non-connected end E1. Meanwhile, of the two ends, the end connected to the first protruding plate portion 45 is referred to as the connection end E2. In this example, the end on the first side of the first extension plate portion 43 corresponds to the connection end E2, and the end on the second side of the first extension plate portion 43 corresponds to the non-connection end E1. In each first extension plate portion 43 of the multiple first light-shielding plates 42, the connection end E2 is located on the first side in the width direction of the housing 3 relative to the non-connection end E1. In a preferred example, the dimension from the non-connection end E1 to the connection end E2 of the first extension plate portion 43 is the same or approximately the same for each of the first extension plate portions 43 of the multiple first light-shielding plates 42. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first extension plate portion 43 may be connected to the first protruding plate portion 45 at the end on the second side of the first extension plate portion 43. The first extending plate portion 43 may be connected to the first protruding plate portion 45 at a position between the end portion on the first side and the end portion on the second side.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the first light-shielding plate 42, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of two adjacent first light-shielding plates 42 among the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42. As shown in FIG. 8, the first extension plate portion 43 of the first light-shielding plate 42 has a pair of main surfaces facing opposite each other, an extension plate inner surface 43a and an extension plate outer surface 43b. The extension plate inner surface 43a faces upward in the height direction, toward the first relay area 15. The extension plate outer surface 43b faces downward in the height direction, toward the outside of the housing 3. The extension plate inner surface 43a and the extension plate outer surface 43b each extend from the non-connection end E1 to the connection end E2 of the first extension plate portion 43.

[0033] The first extension plate portion 43 also has an extension plate edge surface 43c at the non-connected end E1. The extension plate edge surface 43c extends in the height direction from the extension plate inner surface 43a to the extension plate outer surface 43b at the non-connected end E1. Therefore, an intersection P1 between the extension plate edge surface 43c and the extension plate outer surface 43b is formed at the non-connected end E1 of the first extension plate portion 43. At the extension plate edge surface 43c, the intersection P1 forms the lower end in the height direction.

[0034] The first protruding plate portion 45 is connected to the first extending plate portion 43 and protrudes toward the first relay area 15. In one example, the first protruding plate portion 45 is connected to the first extending plate portion 43 at an end portion on a first side of the first extending plate portion 43. Of the ends of the first protruding plate portion 45, the end connected to the first extending plate portion 43 coincides with the above-mentioned connecting end E2. On the other hand, of the ends of the first protruding plate portion 45, the end opposite the end connected to the first extending plate portion 43 is referred to as the protruding end E3. In a preferred example, the dimension from the protruding end E3 to the connecting end E2 of the first protruding plate portion 45 in each of the multiple first light-shielding plates 42 is the same or approximately the same among the multiple first light-shielding plates 42.

[0035] In a preferred example, the first protruding plate portion 45 protrudes into the first relay area 15 so that an L-shaped cross section is formed by the first protruding plate portion 45 and the first extending plate portion 43. That is, the first protruding plate portion 45 protrudes in a height direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first extending plate portion 43. However, this is not limiting, and the angle that the first protruding plate portion 45 forms with the first extending plate portion 43 may be an angle other than perpendicular or substantially perpendicular.

[0036] The first protruding plate portion 45 of the first light-shielding plate 42 has a pair of main surfaces facing opposite each other, namely a first protruding plate main surface 45a and a second protruding plate main surface 45b. The first protruding plate main surface 45a faces a first side (arrow Y1 side) in the width direction of the housing 3. The second protruding plate main surface 45b faces a second side in the width direction of the housing 3. The first protruding plate main surface 45a and the second protruding plate main surface 45b each extend from the protruding end E3 of the first protruding plate portion 45 to the connecting end E2.

[0037] The first protruding plate portion 45 also has a protruding plate edge surface 45c at the protruding end E3. The protruding plate edge surface 45c extends along the width direction of the housing 3 from the first protruding plate main surface 45a to the second protruding plate main surface 45b at the protruding end E3 of the first protruding plate portion 45. Therefore, an intersection P2 between the protruding plate edge surface 45c and the first protruding plate main surface 45a is formed at the protruding end E3 of the first protruding plate portion 45. At the protruding plate edge surface 54c, the intersection P2 forms a first side edge in the width direction of the housing 3.

[0038] Here, of two adjacent first light-shielding plates 42 among the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42, one located on the first side is referred to as first light-shielding plate 42x, and the other located on the second side is referred to as first light-shielding plate 42y. In the light-shielding module 11, a gap is formed between the non-connected end E1 of the first extension plate portion 43 of the first light-shielding plate 42x and the connected end E2 of the first extension plate portion 43 of the first light-shielding plate 42y. Hereinafter, the distance between the non-connected end E1 of the first extension plate portion 43 of the first light-shielding plate 42x and the connected end E2 of the first extension plate portion 43 of the first light-shielding plate 42y will be referred to as the gap distance.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52 is arranged along the first imaginary plane B1 with a gap between adjacent second light-shielding plates 52. In one example, the multiple second light-shielding plates 52 are arranged along the height direction of the housing 3 at equal or approximately equal intervals. In a preferred example, the gap distance between two adjacent first light-shielding plates 42 and the gap distance between two adjacent second light-shielding plates 52 are the same or approximately the same. Each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52 is provided in a through-hole of the second frame member 41 and extends along the depth direction of the housing 3. Each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52 has both ends in the depth direction of the second light-shielding plate 52 attached to the second frame member 41. Each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52 is formed separately from any of the bottom wall 5, top wall 6, and peripheral wall 7 of the housing 3.

[0040] As described above, the frame portion 37 consisting of the top plate portion 38 and the peripheral plate portion 39, the first frame-shaped member 40, the second frame-shaped member 41, the first light-shielding plate 42, and the second light-shielding plate 52 are each formed separately from the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7 of the housing 3. The frame portion 37, the first frame-shaped member 40, the second frame-shaped member 41, the first light-shielding plate 42, and the second light-shielding plate 52 can be removed as a unit from the housing 3.

[0041] Each of the plurality of second light-shielding plates 52 includes a second extending plate portion 53 and a second protruding plate portion 54. The second protruding plate portion 54 is connected to the second extending plate portion 53. The second extending plate portion 53 and the second protruding plate portion 54 each extend along the depth direction of the housing 3.

[0042] The second extension plate portion 53 extends along the first imaginary plane B1. That is, the second extension plate portion 53 extends parallel or approximately parallel to the height direction. In one example, the second extension plate portion 53 has two ends, a lower end (arrow Z1 side) in the height direction of the second extension plate portion 53 and an upper end (arrow Z1 side) in the height direction of the second extension plate portion 53, and the upper end in the height direction of the second extension plate portion 53 is connected to the second protruding plate portion 54. As described above, of the two ends, the end connected to the second protruding plate portion 54 is referred to as the connecting end E5. On the other hand, of the two ends, the end not connected to the second protruding plate portion 54 is referred to as the non-connecting end E4. In this example, the upper end of the second extension plate portion 53 in the height direction corresponds to the connecting end E5, and the lower end of the second extension plate portion 53 in the height direction corresponds to the non-connecting end E4. In each of the second extending plate portions 53 of the plurality of second light-shielding plates 52, the connecting end E5 is located higher in the height direction than the non-connecting end E4. However, this is not limited thereto, and the second extending plate portion 53 may be connected to the second protruding plate portion 54 at a lower end in the height direction of the second extending plate portion 53. Furthermore, the second extending plate portion 53 may be connected to the second protruding plate portion 54 at a position between the two ends.

[0043] In a preferred example, the dimension from the non-connection end E4 to the connection end E5 of the second extension plate portion 53 is the same or approximately the same for the second extension plate portions 53 of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52. In a more preferred example, the dimension from the non-connection end E1 to the connection end E2 of each of the multiple first extension plate portions 43 is the same or approximately the same as the dimension from the non-connection end E4 to the connection end E5 of each of the multiple second extension plate portions 53.

[0044] The second protruding plate portion 54 is connected to the second extending plate portion 53 and protrudes toward the first relay area 15. In one example, the second protruding plate portion 54 is connected to the second extending plate portion 53 at an end portion on the upper side in the height direction of the second extending plate portion 53. Of the ends of the second protruding plate portion 54, the end connected to the second extending plate portion 53 coincides with the above-mentioned connecting end E5. On the other hand, of the ends of the second protruding plate portion 54, the end opposite the end connected to the second extending plate portion 53 is referred to as the protruding end E6. In a preferred example, the dimension from the protruding end E6 to the connecting end E5 of each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52 of the second protruding plate portion 54 is the same or approximately the same for each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52.

[0045] In a preferred example, the second protruding plate portion 54 protrudes into the first relay area 15 so that an L-shaped cross section is formed by the second protruding plate portion 54 and the second extending plate portion 53. That is, the second protruding plate portion 54 protrudes along the width direction of the housing 3, which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the second extending plate portion 53. However, the angle formed by the second protruding plate portion 54 with respect to the second extending plate portion 53 is not limited to this, and may be an angle other than perpendicular or substantially perpendicular.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the second light-shielding plate 52, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of one of the second light-shielding plates 52. As shown in FIG. 9, the second protruding plate portion 54 has a pair of main surfaces facing opposite each other, a protruding plate lower surface 54a and a protruding plate upper surface 54b. The protruding plate lower surface 54a faces downward in the height direction (toward the arrow Z1). The protruding plate upper surface 54b faces upward in the height direction. The protruding plate lower surface 54a and the protruding plate upper surface 54b each extend from the protruding end E6 of the second protruding plate portion 54 to the connecting end E5.

[0047] The second protruding plate portion 54 also has a protruding plate edge surface 54c at the protruding end E6. The protruding plate edge surface 54c extends along the height direction from the protruding plate lower surface 54a to the protruding plate upper surface 54b at the protruding end E6 of the second protruding plate portion 54. Therefore, an intersection portion P3 between the protruding plate edge surface 54c and the protruding plate upper surface 54b is formed at the protruding end E6 of the second protruding plate portion 54. The intersection portion P3 forms the upper end of the protruding plate edge surface 54c in the height direction.

[0048] In the embodiments, air flowing into (or out of) the air treatment device 1 is not introduced (or discharged) unless it passes through the light-shielding module 11. In the first relay area 15, no member is provided between each of the multiple first light-shielding plates 42 and each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52. Furthermore, the dimensions from the connection ends E2, E5 to the protruding ends E3, E6 of each of the multiple first protruding plate portions 45 and each of the multiple second protruding plate portions 54 are formed to be dimensions such that each of the multiple first protruding plate portions 45 and each of the multiple second protruding plate portions 54 do not come into contact with each other.

[0049] In addition, in the embodiments, each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 and each of the plurality of second light-shielding plates 52 are preferably formed in the same or substantially the same shape relative to one another, and more preferably in the same or substantially the same dimensions and shape relative to one another. By forming a plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 and a plurality of second light-shielding plates 52 in this manner, it is expected that manufacturing costs will be reduced by standardizing components. Note that even if the first light-shielding plates 42 and the second light-shielding plates 52 have the same shape, the first light-shielding plates 42 and the second light-shielding plates 52 are arranged in different orientations relative to one another.

[0050] Here, among the multiple first light-blocking plates 42, the first light-blocking plate 42 located farthest from the air treatment area 13 is referred to as the first light-blocking plate 42α. The first light-blocking plate 42 located adjacent to the first light-blocking plate 42α on the side closer to the air treatment area 13 than the first light-blocking plate 42α is referred to as the first light-blocking plate 42β. Among the multiple second light-blocking plates 52, the second light-blocking plate 52 located at the uppermost position in the height direction is referred to as the second light-blocking plate 52γ. As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, a virtual line ε1 is defined that passes through an intersection P1 at the first extension plate portion 43 of the first light-blocking plate 42α and an intersection P2 at the first protruding plate portion 45 of the first light-blocking plate 42β. In some embodiments, the virtual line ε1 passes through the protruding plate lower surface 54a of the second light-blocking plate 52γ. In one example, the imaginary line ε1 passes through the second extension plate portion 53 of the second light-shielding plate 52γ.

[0051] In the embodiment, the angle formed by the straight line extending to the second side in the width direction of the housing 3 and the imaginary line ε1 extending from the intersection point P1 to the first relay area 15 is defined as θ1. When the angle θ1 is reduced, the imaginary line ε1 intersects with the first protruding plate main surface 45a of the first light blocking plate 42β.

[0052] Next, an imaginary line ε2 is defined that passes through the intersection P1 at the first extension plate portion 43 of the first light-shielding plate 42α and the intersection P3 at the second protruding plate portion 54 of the second light-shielding plate 52γ. In the embodiment, the imaginary line ε2 passes through the second frame-shaped member 41. In one example, the imaginary line ε2 intersects with the top plate portion 38.

[0053] In the embodiment, the angle formed by the straight line extending to the second side in the width direction of the housing 3 and the imaginary line ε2 extending from the intersection point P1 to the first relay area 15 is defined as θ2. As the angle θ2 is reduced, the imaginary line ε2 passes through the protruding plate edge surface 54c of the second light-shielding plate 52γ. As the angle θ2 is further reduced, the imaginary line ε2 passes through the protruding plate lower surface 54a of the second light-shielding plate 52γ and overlaps with the imaginary line ε1.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, the air treatment frame 10 forms a first peripheral surface 56 corresponding to the peripheral surface of the air treatment region 13. The first peripheral surface 56 covers the air treatment region 13 from above, below, and around the periphery in the height direction. However, the first peripheral surface 56 does not cover the air treatment region 13 at a position corresponding to a first imaginary plane B1. Furthermore, the first peripheral surface 56 does not cover the air treatment region 13 at a position corresponding to a second imaginary plane B2. Due to this configuration, the air treatment region 13 communicates with the first opening 8 via the first relay region 15. Furthermore, the air treatment region 13 communicates with the second opening 9 via the second relay region 16.

[0055] In the air treatment region 13, it is desirable to maintain a higher intensity of ultraviolet light in order to improve the accuracy of air treatment. For this reason, it is desirable that the first peripheral surface 56 be made of a material with a low ultraviolet light absorption rate. In particular, the first peripheral surface 56 is made of a material with a lower ultraviolet light absorption rate than each of the components provided in the light-shielding module 11, such as the frame portion 37, the first frame member 40, the second frame member 41, the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42, and the plurality of second light-shielding plates 52. Furthermore, the first peripheral surface 56 is made of a material with a higher ultraviolet light reflectance than each of the components provided in the light-shielding module 11.

[0056] An ultraviolet light source 31 is disposed in the air treatment region 13. In one example, as shown in Fig. 2, the ultraviolet light source 31 is disposed at the end on the side where the first relay region 15 is located, and emits ultraviolet light to the air treatment region 13. The ultraviolet light source 31 then emits ultraviolet light toward the side in the width direction of the air treatment device 1 where the second relay region 16 is located.

[0057] The ultraviolet light source 31 includes a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element performs light-emitting operation using DC power supplied from the DC / DC converter 32. The ultraviolet light source 31 emits ultraviolet light by performing light-emitting operation. The light-emitting element is, for example, an ultraviolet LED. Furthermore, instead of the light-emitting element, the ultraviolet light source 31 may be a lamp other than an LED, such as a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp, or an excimer lamp.

[0058] The ultraviolet light source 31 mainly emits UV-C (ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less). When UV-C is irradiated onto the air inside the air treatment area 13 from the ultraviolet light source 31, the activity of viruses and bacteria (germs) contained in the air flowing inside the air treatment area 13 is suppressed. This sterilizes the air inside the air treatment area 13.

[0059] In another example, an ultraviolet light source other than the ultraviolet light source 31 and a photocatalyst module are placed in the air treatment area 13. In this case, the other ultraviolet light source also emits ultraviolet light by performing light-emitting operation when supplied with DC power.

[0060] In a photocatalyst module, a photocatalyst is supported on the surface of a base material. In the photocatalyst module, a plurality (countless) of through holes are formed in the base material, and the base material is made of ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride. The photocatalyst supported on the base material is made of metal oxides such as titanium oxide and tungsten oxide.

[0061] In another example, the ultraviolet light source mainly emits UV-A (ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 320 nm or more and 400 nm or less). At least a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source is incident on the photocatalyst module. When UV-A is incident on the photocatalyst module, active oxygen and OH radicals are generated in the photocatalyst module. The generated active oxygen and OH radicals then decompose viruses, fungi (bacteria), odorous substances, and the like contained in the air flowing through the air treatment area 13. As a result, air sterilization, deodorization, and the like are performed as air treatment in the air treatment area 13.

[0062] In another example, an ultraviolet light source and a photocatalyst module are arranged in the air treatment area 13 as an air treatment unit, and both the aforementioned air sterilization using UV-C and the aforementioned air sterilization and deodorization using UV-A and the photocatalyst module are performed as air treatment.

[0063] Note that "sterilization" means inactivating viruses and bacteria (bacteria) present in the air, and terms such as "disinfection," "sterilization," and "sterilization" can be used instead of "sterilization." Therefore, although the term "sterilization" is used in the embodiments, the term "sterilization" can be replaced with "sterilization," "sterilization," and "sterilization."

[0064] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the fan box 12 and its surrounding structure in the example air treatment device 1 of FIG. 1 , cut along a cross section perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the depth direction. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 , the fan box 12 forms a second peripheral surface 58 corresponding to the peripheral surface of the second relay area 16. A through-hole is formed in a portion of the fan box 12 at a position facing the second opening 9. The second peripheral surface 58 covers the second relay area 16 from the upper, lower, and outer periphery in the height direction. However, the second peripheral surface 58 does not cover the second relay area 16 at a position corresponding to the second imaginary plane B2. The second peripheral surface 58 is made of a material with a higher ultraviolet light absorption rate than the first peripheral surface 56 to block light traveling from the air treatment area 13 to the second opening 9. Furthermore, the second peripheral surface 58 is made of a material with a lower ultraviolet light reflectance than the first peripheral surface 56.

[0065] An opposing surface 59 is formed on a part of the second peripheral surface 58, facing the second opening 9 with the second relay area 16 sandwiched therebetween. The opposing surface 59 covers the second relay area 16 from above in the height direction. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 , the opposing surface 59 is formed from the fan box 12. However, in one example, the opposing surface 59 may be formed from the inner surface of the top wall 6 of the housing 3. The upper edge in the height direction of the second imaginary plane B2 corresponds to a boundary position 60a between the surface of the first peripheral surface 56 that surrounds the air processing area 13 from above in the height direction and the opposing surface 59.

[0066] In the second relay area 16, the fan 25 and a holding member 61 are arranged. The fan 25 is connected to the opposing surface 59 via the holding member 61. The fan 25 is arranged between the second opening 9 and the opposing surface 59 in the height direction. If the fan 25 is an exhaust fan, the second opening 9 is located on the discharge side of the fan 25, and the opposing surface 59 is located on the intake side of the fan 25. In addition, in the second relay area 16, the fan 25 is arranged closer to the second opening 9 than the opposing surface 59. Note that, from the viewpoint of maximizing the amount of air passing through the second opening 9, it is desirable to arrange the fan 25 as close as possible to the second opening 9.

[0067] The fan 25 operates under the control of the processing circuit. In one example, the fan 25 is an axial fan. However, the fan 25 is not limited to this, and may be another type of fan, such as a centrifugal fan or a sirocco fan.

[0068] The holding member 61 is installed on the opposing surface 59. The holding member 61 holds the fan 25. The holding member 61 is formed to be hollow. The holding member 61 is formed with a passage hole 62 through which air can pass.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the blocking of ultraviolet light in the second relay region 16 in the embodiment. For ease of explanation, FIG. 11 omits a portion of the second peripheral surface 58, including the opposing surface 59, and components such as the fan 25. As shown in FIG. 11 , the position on the edge of the second opening 9 that is farthest from the boundary position 60a in the direction Y2 is referred to as the farthest position 60b, and an imaginary line ε3 connecting the boundary position 60a and the farthest position 60b is defined. In the embodiment, the imaginary line ε3 intersects with the holding member 61. Note that, in the second relay region 16, the side away from the air treatment region 13, i.e., the side distal to the air treatment region 13 in the width direction of the housing 3, is the second side.

[0070] In the embodiment, the angle formed by a straight line extending from the boundary position 60a toward the second relay area 16 along the width direction of the housing 3 and an imaginary line ε3 extending from the boundary position 60a to the second relay area 16 is defined as θ3. This straight line and the imaginary line ε3 are parallel to the YZ plane (the plane formed by the Y and Z directions). When the angle θ3 is changed, the imaginary line ε3 intersects with the second peripheral surface 58 or any component disposed in the second relay area, and does not pass through the second opening 9. For example, when the angle θ3 is reduced, the imaginary line ε3 passes through the opening edge of the passage opening 62 and intersects with the second peripheral surface 58.

[0071] As described above, according to the embodiment, the air treatment device 1 includes a box-shaped housing 3, an air treatment area 13, a first relay area 15, an ultraviolet light source (light source) 31, a fan 25, and a light-shielding module 11. The housing 3 includes an opening surface where a first opening (opening) 8 to the outside is formed. The air treatment area 13 is provided inside the housing 3 and performs air treatment. The first relay area 15 is provided inside the housing 3 so as to communicate between the first opening 8 and the air treatment area 13. The ultraviolet light source 31 emits ultraviolet light into the air treatment area 13. The fan 25, when activated, creates an air flow inside the housing 3. The light-shielding module 11 includes a plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 arranged with gaps between them along the opening surface, and a plurality of second light-shielding plates 52 arranged with gaps between them along a first imaginary plane B1. Each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 includes a first extending plate portion 43 along the opening surface, and a first protruding plate portion 45 protruding from the first extending plate portion 43 toward the first relay area 15.

[0072] In this way, the air treatment device 1 is configured such that a plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 and a plurality of second light-shielding plates 52 are each arranged between the outside of the housing 3 and the air treatment area 13. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing 3. Furthermore, the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 and the plurality of second light-shielding plates 52 are each arranged with gaps between them. This suppresses obstruction of air flow by the light-shielding plates. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air treatment device 1 that can suppress obstruction of air flow by the light-shielding plates while suppressing leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing 3 using the plurality of first light-shielding plates 42 and the plurality of second light-shielding plates 52.

[0073] Specifically, assuming that the above-mentioned imaginary line ε1 is a line of sight from the outside of the housing 3 toward the air treatment area 13 through the gap formed between the two adjacent first light blocking plates 42α, β and the first relay area 15, the line of sight is directed toward the protruding plate lower surface 54a of the second protruding plate portion 54. When the angle θ1 is reduced, the line of sight is directed toward the first protruding plate main surface 45a of the first light blocking plate 42β.

[0074] Furthermore, if we assume that the imaginary line ε2 is also a line of sight from the outside of the housing 3 through the gap and the first relay area 15 to the air treatment area 13, the line of sight is directed toward the second frame-shaped member 41. As the angle θ2 is reduced, the line of sight is directed toward the protruding plate edge surface 54c of the second light-blocking plate 52γ, and as the angle θ2 is further reduced, the line of sight is directed toward the protruding plate lower surface 54a of the second light-blocking plate 52γ, overlapping with the imaginary line ε1.

[0075] In this way, a line of sight from the outside of the housing 3 toward the air treatment area 13 via the gap and the first relay area 15 is directed toward any one of the first protruding plate portion 45 of the first light-shielding plate 42β, the second protruding plate portion 54 of the second light-shielding plate 52γ, and the second frame-shaped member 41. Conversely, ultraviolet light directed from the air treatment area 13 toward the gap is directed toward any one of the first protruding plate portion 45 of the first light-shielding plate 42β, the second protruding plate portion 54 of the second light-shielding plate 52γ, and the second frame-shaped member 41. All of the first protruding plate portion 45 of the first light-shielding plate 42β, the second protruding plate portion 54 of the second light-shielding plate 52γ, and the second frame-shaped member 41 are formed from a material such as a metal that has a high ultraviolet light absorption rate and can block ultraviolet light. Therefore, most of the ultraviolet light traveling from the air treatment region 13 toward the gap is absorbed or reflected by either the first protruding plate portion 45 of the first light-shielding plate 42β, the second protruding plate portion 54 of the second light-shielding plate 52γ, or the second frame-shaped member 41. This prevents the ultraviolet light traveling from the air treatment region 13 toward the gap from leaking out of the housing 3 through the gap. Similarly, the ultraviolet light traveling from the air treatment region 13 toward the gap formed between two adjacent first light-shielding plates 42 is also prevented from leaking out of the housing 3 through the gap. This prevents the ultraviolet light from leaking out of the housing 3 through the first opening 8. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light from leaking out of the housing. The ultraviolet light that does not travel from the air treatment region 13 toward the first opening 8 travels toward one of the components provided in the light-shielding module. Any of the components provided in the light-shielding module have a high ultraviolet light absorption rate and are made of metal or other material that can block ultraviolet light, so that leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing can be suppressed.

[0076] Additionally, according to the embodiment described above, in the first relay area 15, no components are provided between each of the multiple first light-shielding plates 42 and each of the multiple second light-shielding plates 52. Furthermore, the dimensions from the connection ends E2, E5 of each of the multiple first protruding plate portions 45 and each of the multiple second protruding plate portions 54 to the protruding ends E3, E6 are formed so that each of the multiple first protruding plate portions 45 and each of the multiple second protruding plate portions 54 do not come into contact with each other. In this way, the first relay area is configured to suppress obstruction of air flow. Furthermore, with this configuration, suppression of air pressure loss can be expected.

[0077] Here, assuming that the imaginary line ε3 represents ultraviolet light, ultraviolet light traveling from the boundary position 60a toward the second relay region 16 travels toward the second circumferential surface 58 or any of the components arranged in the second relay region 16, and does not pass through the second opening 9. The second circumferential surface 58 or any of the components arranged in the second relay region has a high absorption rate for ultraviolet light. As a result, ultraviolet light traveling from the boundary position 60a toward the second relay region 16 is blocked without leaking from the second relay region 16 to the outside of the housing 3. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, leakage of ultraviolet light from the second relay region 16 to the outside of the housing can be suppressed.

[0078] According to the embodiment, the air treatment device 1 further includes a frame 37. The frame 37, together with the first and second light-shielding plates 42 and 52, forms the periphery of the first relay area 15 and covers the first relay area 15 from a different direction than the first and second light-shielding plates 42 and 52. The first and second light-shielding plates 42 and 52 included in the light-shielding module 11, and the frame 37, are each detachable from the housing 3. Dust that accumulates inside the air treatment device 1 tends to collect on the intake side. In a configuration using an exhaust fan, as in one example configuration, the light-shielding module 11 is the intake side. Therefore, in this configuration, dust inside the air treatment device 1 tends to collect in the first relay area 15. As mentioned above, in the air treatment device 1, the multiple first shading plates 42, the multiple second shading plates 52, and the frame portion 37 can be removed as a single unit from the housing 3 as needed, making it easier to perform maintenance such as cleaning out debris that accumulates inside the air treatment device 1.

[0079] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 31 is provided on the first relay area 15 side of the air treatment area 13. When the ultraviolet light source 31 is provided on the intake side in this manner, part of the ultraviolet light traveling from the air treatment area 13 toward the first relay area 15 hits the component that contains the ultraviolet light source 31. As a result, part of the ultraviolet light traveling from the air treatment area 13 toward the first relay area 15 is absorbed or reflected by the component and does not travel toward the first relay area 15. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 31 is provided on the first relay area 15 side of the air treatment area 13. Therefore, when the first light-shielding plates 42, the second light-shielding plates 52, and the frame portion 37 are removed, the ultraviolet light source 31 is located on the near side when the air treatment area 13 is viewed from the side where these plates were located. This not only achieves the above-mentioned effects, but also makes it easier to maintain the ultraviolet light source 31.

[0081] It is also known that locating the ultraviolet light source 31 as far away as possible from the exhaust fan can reduce the pressure loss of the air flowing inside the housing 3. The ultraviolet light source 31 is provided on the light-shielding module 11 side of the air treatment area 13, which can maximize the distance between the ultraviolet light source 31 and the exhaust fan, and in addition to the above-mentioned effects, it is possible to further reduce the pressure loss of the air flowing inside the housing 3.

[0082] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the air treatment device 1, in each of the multiple first light-blocking plates 42, the first protruding plate portion 45 is connected to the end of the first extending plate portion 43, and the first protruding plate portion 45 and the first extending plate portion 43 form an L-shaped cross-sectional shape. In each of the multiple second light-blocking plates 52, the second protruding plate portion 54 is connected to the end of the second extending plate portion 53, and the first protruding plate portion 45 and the first extending plate portion 43 form an L-shaped cross-sectional shape. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, it is possible to further suppress leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing while suppressing obstruction of air flow by the light-blocking plates, thereby reducing air pressure loss.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the air treatment device 1 further includes a holding member. In the housing 3, a second opening 9 to the outside is formed at a position different from the first opening 8. Inside the housing 3, a fan 25 is disposed in a second transition area 16 between the second opening 9 and the air treatment area 13. When the fan 25 is operated, an air flow is formed between the first opening 8 and the second opening 9, passing through the first transition area 15, the air treatment area 13, and the second transition area 16. Inside the housing 3, the base assembly 2 forms a first peripheral surface 56 that is the peripheral surface of the air treatment area 13, and a second peripheral surface 58 that is the peripheral surface of the second transition area 16 and has a higher ultraviolet absorption rate than the first peripheral surface 56. The holding member holds the fan 25 in the second relay area 16, and a line segment passing through the boundary position 60a between the first peripheral surface 56 and the second peripheral surface 58 and the furthest position at the opening edge of the second opening 9 from the boundary position 60a passes through the holding member.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the first light-shielding plate 42 is formed by fixing the first extension plate portion 43 to the first frame-shaped member 40 and connecting the first protruding plate portion 45 to the first extension plate portion 43. Therefore, the dimension from the protruding end E3 to the connecting end E2 of the first protruding plate portion 45 may be designed to be longer than the gap distance. In this way, in addition to the effects described above, the above dimension can be set arbitrarily, allowing adjustments to further improve light-shielding accuracy. The same applies to the second light-shielding plate 52.

[0085] (Variation) The embodiment may be modified as follows: In addition, each modification may be combined with another.

[0086] According to the embodiment, each of the frame portion 37 and the first frame-shaped member 40 is formed separately from the housing 3 including the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7, and is configured to be removable as a unit from the housing 3, but this is not limited to this. The top plate portion 38 that constitutes the frame portion 37 may be configured from a part of the top wall 6. Furthermore, the peripheral plate portion 39 that constitutes the frame portion 37 may be configured from a part of the peripheral wall 7. Furthermore, the first frame-shaped member 40 may be configured from a part of the bottom wall 5. In this way, by each of the frame portion 37 and the first frame-shaped member 40 being configured from any one of the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7, it is possible to standardize the components.

[0087] The housing 3 is typically not made of a material that has a high absorptivity for ultraviolet light. Therefore, when the first frame member 40, the top plate portion 38, and the peripheral plate portion 39 are formed integrally with the bottom of the housing 3, the areas corresponding to the first frame member 40, the top plate portion 38, and the peripheral plate portion 39 are plated to increase the absorptivity for ultraviolet light.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the air-handling frame 10 formed separately from the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7 is provided inside the housing 3, and only the air-handling frame 10 forms the first peripheral surface 56; however, this is not limited to this. The first peripheral surface 56 may be formed from any one of the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7. Furthermore, the fan box 12 formed separately from the housing 3 including the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7 is provided inside the housing 3, and only the fan box 12 forms the second peripheral surface 58; however, this is not limited to this. The second peripheral surface 58 may be formed from any one of the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7. According to these modified examples, it is possible to standardize components, as described above.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the first light-shielding plate 42 is configured such that the first extended plate portion 43 is fixed to the first frame-shaped member 40 and the first protruding plate portion 45 is connected to the first extended plate portion 43. However, this is not limiting. The first light-shielding plate 42 is manufactured, for example, from a single rectangular plate-shaped member. Specifically, during manufacturing, notches are made in the plate-shaped member to form portions corresponding to the edges of the first protruding plate portions, including the protruding plate edge surface 45c. Such notches are made in multiple locations, and each of the notched portions is bent so as to protrude from the plate-shaped member, thereby forming multiple first protruding plate portions 45. Furthermore, the portion between two first protruding plate portions 45 corresponds to the first extended plate portion 43. Therefore, the gap distance and the dimension from the protruding end E3 to the connecting end E2 of the first protruding plate portion 45 are equal. If a mold for forming the plate-like member is procured, the steps of fixing the first extending plate portion 43 to the first frame-like member 40 and connecting the first protruding plate portion 45 to the first extending plate portion 43 can be omitted during manufacturing, thereby facilitating the assembly of the light-blocking module 11. In addition, since the first extending plate portion 43 and the first protruding plate portion 45 can be formed from a common member, the manufacturing cost of the first light-blocking plate can be reduced. The same applies to the second light-blocking plate.

[0090] According to the embodiment or modified example described above, it is possible to provide an air treatment device that suppresses leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing while suppressing obstruction of air flow by a light blocking plate.

[0091] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...Air treatment device 2...Base assembly 3. Housing 5...Bottom wall 6...Ceiling wall 7...Peripheral wall 8...First opening 9...Second opening 10...Air treatment frame 11...Light blocking module 12...Fan Box 13...Air treatment area 15...First relay area 16...Second relay area 21…Space 22…Environmental space 23...Wall part 25...Fan 31...Ultraviolet light source 32...DC / DC converter 33...AC / DC converter 35...Terminal block 36...Control board 37...Frame section 38...Top plate 39…Surrounding plate part 40...First frame-shaped member 41... Second frame-shaped member 42, 42x, 42y, 42α, 42β...First light shielding plate 43...First extension plate portion 43b…Extension plate outer surface 43c…Extension plate edge surface 45...First protruding plate portion 45a...First protruding plate main surface 45b...Second protruding plate main surface 45c…Protruding plate edge surface 52, 52γ...second light blocking plate 53...Second extension plate portion 54...Second protruding plate portion 54a…Protruding plate bottom surface 54b…Top surface of protruding plate 54c…Protruding plate edge surface 56...first peripheral surface 58...Second peripheral surface 59...Opposite surface 60a…Boundary position 60b…Farthest position 61...holding member 62... Passage gate B1...First virtual surface B2: Second imaginary plane E1, E4, ... non-connected end E2, E5...Connection ends E3, E6…Protruding end P1, P2, P3...intersection ε1, ε2, ε3...virtual lines θ1, θ2, θ3...Angles

Claims

1. a box-shaped housing having an opening surface in which an opening to the outside is formed; an air treatment area provided inside the housing for performing air treatment; a first relay area provided in the interior of the housing so as to communicate between the opening and the air processing area; a light source for irradiating the air treatment area with ultraviolet light; a fan that is activated to create an air flow within the interior of the housing; a light-shielding module comprising: a plurality of first light-shielding plates arranged with gaps between them along the opening surface; and a plurality of second light-shielding plates arranged with gaps between them along a virtual plane intersecting the opening surface, wherein each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates comprises a first extending plate portion along the opening surface and a first protruding plate portion protruding from the first extending plate portion toward the first relay area, and each of the plurality of second light-shielding plates comprises a second extending plate portion along the virtual surface and a second protruding plate portion protruding from the second extending plate portion toward the first relay area; An air treatment device comprising:

2. The light blocking module includes: a frame portion that forms a peripheral surface of the first relay area together with the plurality of first light-shielding plates and the plurality of second light-shielding plates and covers the first relay area from a direction different from that of the plurality of first light-shielding plates and the second light-shielding plates; The air treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first light blocking plates, the plurality of second light blocking plates, and the frame portion are detachable as a unit from the housing.

3. In each of the plurality of first light-shielding plates, the first protruding plate portion is connected to an end of the first extending plate portion, and an L-shaped cross-sectional shape is formed by the first protruding plate portion and the first extending plate portion, In each of the plurality of second light-shielding plates, the second protruding plate portion is connected to an end of the second extending plate portion, and an L-shaped cross-sectional shape is formed by the first protruding plate portion and the first extending plate portion.

3. An air treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

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