Sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a sterilizer capable of improving sterilization performance. [Solution] The sterilizer 1 comprises a sterilization ventilation passage 11 formed in a cylindrical shape and configured to allow gas to flow therethrough, the ventilation passage 11 having an inner surface 21 with a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction, and a first element group 51 formed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements 12, arranged on a first inner surface portion 31 corresponding to a first side 31a of the rectangle of the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11, and emitting ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion 32 of the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11 that faces the first inner surface portion 31, the first light-emitting elements 12 being arranged along the first side 31a. The first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged near a plurality of interior dividing points when the entire length of the first side 31a is divided into three or more equal intervals, or are arranged so that the distance between a first light-emitting element 12 located at an end of the plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 and an end point of the first side 31a is equal to or less than the spacing between the plurality of first light-emitting elements 12.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilizer. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air purifying device that reduces the number of pathogens in the air by irradiating them with ultraviolet light. The device includes a ventilation channel through which air passes, an ultraviolet light source disposed on the inner wall of the ventilation channel, and a shield that receives and absorbs ultraviolet light directed outward from the ultraviolet light irradiation area and allows air flow to pass through.

[0003] The ventilation passage has an inner surface whose cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction is formed into a rectangle. An ultraviolet light source is arranged on one side of the inner surface. An example of the ultraviolet light source is nine light-emitting elements arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns. The nine light-emitting elements are arranged in the center of the inner surface of the object in the air flow direction, and also in the center of the inner surface of the object in the direction perpendicular to the air flow direction. In other words, the nine light-emitting elements are arranged concentratedly in the center of one inner surface of the ventilation passage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-13685 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional devices, multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a concentrated manner, which narrows the area that can be irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light. Although it is possible to irradiate the entire interior of the ventilation passage with ultraviolet light by placing a reflective material on the inner surface of the ventilation passage, there is a demand for further improvement in sterilization performance.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a sterilizer capable of improving sterilization performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a sterilization ventilation channel formed in a cylindrical shape, configured to allow a gas to flow, and having an inner surface whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is formed in a rectangular shape; a first element group, which is composed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements, is arranged on a first inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that corresponds to a first side of the rectangle, and outputs ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that faces the first inner surface portion, and in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged along the first side; The plurality of first light-emitting elements are When the entire length of the first side is divided into three or more equal parts, the first side is disposed near a plurality of dividing points, or The sterilization device is arranged so that the distance between the first light-emitting element located at the end of the plurality of first light-emitting elements and the end point of the first side is equal to or less than the spacing between the plurality of first light-emitting elements.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a sterilization ventilation channel that is formed in a cylindrical shape, configured to allow a gas to flow, and has an inner surface whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is formed in a rectangular shape; a first element group, which is composed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements, is arranged on a first inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that corresponds to a first side of the rectangle, and outputs ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that faces the first inner surface portion, and in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged along the first side; The sterilization device has an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes the point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance and is parallel to the first side on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first inner surface portion and the second inner surface portion, and in which the ratio of the width of the illuminance at the center between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to the length of the evaluation line segment is 50% or more.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a sterilization ventilation channel that is formed in a cylindrical shape, configured to allow a gas to flow, and has an inner surface whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is formed in a rectangular shape; a first element group, which is composed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements, is arranged on a first inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that corresponds to a first side of the rectangle, and outputs ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that faces the first inner surface portion, and in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged along the first side; The sterilization device has an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes the point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance and is parallel to the first side on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first inner surface portion and the second inner surface portion, and in which the ratio of the difference between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to the maximum illuminance is 50% or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the first aspect of the present invention, as one example, the plurality of first light-emitting elements constituting the first element group are arranged near a plurality of interior division points when the entire length of the first side of the rectangle is divided into three or more equal parts. That is, the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged in a dispersed manner along the first side of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage. In other words, the plurality of first light-emitting elements are not arranged in a concentrated manner in the center of the first side of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, in the internal region of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage, ultraviolet light output from the plurality of first light-emitting elements is directly irradiated over a wide range. That is, ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wide range inside the ventilation passage. As a result, sterilization performance can be improved.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, as another example, the plurality of first light-emitting elements constituting the first element group are arranged so that the distance between the end point of the first edge and the first light-emitting element located at the edge of the plurality of first light-emitting elements is equal to or less than the spacing between the plurality of first light-emitting elements. In this aspect, ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wider area inside the ventilation passage than when the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged centrally. As a result, sterilization performance can be improved.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an illuminance distribution is applied to an evaluation line segment that includes the point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance on the evaluation surface located at the center between the first and second inner surface portions and is parallel to the first side. In the illuminance distribution on the evaluation line segment, the ratio of the illuminance width at the center between the maximum and minimum illuminances to the length of the evaluation line segment is set to 50% or more. This means that the illuminance of ultraviolet light varies little on the evaluation line segment. Because the illuminance of ultraviolet light varies little on the evaluation line segment, it can be said that ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wide area inside the ventilation duct. As a result, sterilization performance can be improved.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an illuminance distribution is applied to an evaluation line segment that includes the point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance on the evaluation surface located at the center between the first and second inner surface portions and is parallel to the first side. In the illuminance distribution on the evaluation line segment, the ratio of the difference between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to the maximum illuminance is 50% or less. This means that the illuminance of ultraviolet light is small on the evaluation line segment. Because the illuminance of ultraviolet light on the evaluation line segment is small, it can be said that ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wide area inside the ventilation duct. As a result, sterilization performance can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sterilization device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization device on a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the gas flow direction, showing the illuminance distribution at a position directly irradiated with ultraviolet light. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the sterilization device on a plane (XY plane) parallel to the gas flow direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a simulation of the sterilization device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation of the sterilization device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a simulation of a sterilization device in a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation for a sterilization device in a comparative example. [Figure 8] 6 is a graph comparing the results of simulations in the first embodiment and the comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization device in the second embodiment, taken along a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the gas flow direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilization device in embodiment 3 on a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the gas flow direction, showing the illuminance distribution at a position directly irradiated with ultraviolet light. [Figure 11] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the long / short ratio H / W of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation duct and the cumulative amount of ultraviolet rays. [Figure 12] Friction resistance diagram for galvanized steel ducts as specified in the Air Conditioning and Sanitary Construction Handbook of the Japan Air Conditioning and Sanitary Construction Association. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization device of embodiment 4 on a plane (XY plane) parallel to the gas flow direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a sterilization device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The sterilization device comprises a sterilization ventilation passage formed in a cylindrical shape and configured to allow gas to flow therethrough, the ventilation passage having an inner surface with a rectangular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the gas flow direction, and a first element group formed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements, arranged at a first inner surface portion of the ventilation passage corresponding to a first side of the rectangle, and emitting ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion of the ventilation passage that faces the first inner surface portion, the plurality of first light-emitting elements being arranged along the first side.

[0016] In the above, the configuration of the first aspect, the configuration of the second aspect, and the configuration of the third aspect shown below can each be selectively adopted. That is, six patterns can be selected: only the configuration of the first aspect, only the configuration of the second aspect, only the configuration of the third aspect, a configuration including the first and second aspects, a configuration including the first and third aspects, and a configuration including the first, second, and third aspects. However, as will be explained below, since the first aspect can be selected from two patterns, a total of 10 patterns can be selected.

[0017] The first aspect of the configuration is a configuration in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are dispersedly disposed along the first side of a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Specifically, as one example of the first aspect of the configuration, the plurality of first light-emitting elements are disposed near a plurality of dividing points when the entire length of the first side is divided into three or more equal intervals. In this case, the plurality of first light-emitting elements may be disposed at positions within ±5% of the distance between the dividing points when the entire length of the first side is divided into equal intervals from each of the dividing points.

[0018] As another example of the configuration of the first aspect, the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged so that the distance between the first light-emitting element located at the end among the plurality of first light-emitting elements and the end point of the first edge is equal to or less than the spacing between the plurality of first light-emitting elements.

[0019] The second aspect is a configuration in which, in an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes a point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first and second inner surface portions and is parallel to the first side, the ratio of the width of the illuminance at the center between the maximum and minimum illuminances to the length of the evaluation line segment is 50% or more. More preferably, the ratio is 70% or more.

[0020] In a third aspect, in an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes a point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first and second inner surface portions and is parallel to the first side, the ratio of the difference between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to the maximum illuminance is 50% or less. More preferably, in the third aspect, the ratio is 30% or less.

[0021] For example, by combining the configuration of the first aspect and the configuration of the second aspect, the effects of both aspects can be achieved. The same applies to other combined configurations.

[0022] Furthermore, the rectangle may be a rectangle with the first side as the short side. A plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged along the first side of the rectangle. In other words, the direction of the optical axis of the first light-emitting elements is the direction of the long side of the rectangle. Therefore, the area directly irradiated with ultraviolet light output from the plurality of first light-emitting elements can be widened. As a result, sterilization performance can be improved.

[0023] In particular, the smaller the light distribution angle of the first light-emitting element, the more effective the effect. If the light distribution angle of the first light-emitting element is, for example, 60°, the remaining 120° range in the vicinity of the first light-emitting element may be an area that is not directly irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light. However, since the first side is the short side of the rectangle, the area that is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet light output from the first light-emitting element can be narrowed. In other words, the area that is directly irradiated with ultraviolet light output from the first light-emitting element is widened. As a result, the sterilization performance can be improved.

[0024] Furthermore, if the first side is the short side of a rectangle, the ratio of the short side to the long side of the rectangle should be 0.25 or more. This improves sterilization performance. Furthermore, vibration and noise can be suppressed when gas flows through the ventilation duct. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Standard Specifications for Public Building Construction (Mechanical Equipment Construction Edition), 2022 edition, stipulates that the aspect ratio for ducts should be 4 or less as a general rule, and "0.25 or more" corresponds to the value when the length and width of the stipulation are reversed.

[0025] Furthermore, when the ratio of the short side to the long side is 0.25 or more, the sterilizer is applied when the air velocity is 10.0 m / s or less, and the ventilation duct is configured so that the pressure loss in the ventilation duct is 1 Pa / m or less when the air velocity is 10.0 m / s or less. This sterilizer is intended for use in so-called low-velocity ducts. When used as a low-velocity duct, the sterilizer can suppress vibration and noise. The method for determining duct diameter is specified in the Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Works Handbook published by the Japan Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Works Association. For example, the length and width dimensions of a rectangular duct can be determined to satisfy the conditions of air volume, flow velocity, and friction loss using the friction resistance diagram of a galvanized steel duct described in the handbook.

[0026] Furthermore, the light distribution angle of the first light-emitting element is preferably 60° or less. Relatively, when comparing a light distribution angle greater than 60° with a light distribution angle of 60° or less, the maximum illuminance of ultraviolet light can be increased when the light distribution angle is 60° or less. When the light distribution angle is 60° or less, the sterilization performance can be improved by employing the various configurations described above. The light distribution angle is the angle at which the illuminance is 50% or more of the maximum illuminance.

[0027] Preferably, the sterilizer further comprises a plurality of rows of the first element groups arranged in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation passage, and the length of the tube of the ventilation passage satisfies the relationship of formula (1). L ≧ 2Wsin(θ / 2)+L1 (1) L: Length of the ventilation tube W: Distance between the first and second inner surfaces of the ventilation passage θ: Light distribution angle of the first light-emitting element L1: The distance between the first element groups located at both ends of the multiple rows of first element groups

[0028] By satisfying formula (1), it is possible to prevent ultraviolet light output from the first light-emitting element from being directly irradiated onto the outer region of the ventilation passage. Therefore, a shield or the like that blocks part of the ventilation passage to prevent ultraviolet light from leaking to the outside is not required, and obstruction of gas flow in the ventilation passage can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in flow performance in the ventilation passage. Shields or the like can cause vibration and noise. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of vibration and noise.

[0029] The sterilization device may further include a second element group that is composed of a plurality of second light-emitting elements, is arranged on the second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that corresponds to the second side of the rectangle, outputs ultraviolet light toward the first inner surface portion, and has the plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged along the second side.

[0030] Here, the ultraviolet light output from the first light-emitting element disposed on the first inner surface portion has a higher illuminance near the second inner surface portion, but a lower illuminance near the first inner surface portion. However, a second light-emitting element is disposed on the second inner surface portion. The ultraviolet light output from the second light-emitting element has a higher illuminance near the first inner surface portion, but a lower illuminance near the second inner surface portion.

[0031] That is, at a position where the illuminance of ultraviolet light from the first light-emitting element is low, ultraviolet light with high illuminance from the second light-emitting element is irradiated. Conversely, at a position where the illuminance of ultraviolet light from the second light-emitting element is low, ultraviolet light with high illuminance from the first light-emitting element is irradiated. In this way, the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element irradiate ultraviolet light with high illuminance over a wide range of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation channel. As a result, sterilization performance can be improved.

[0032] Furthermore, the first element group and the second element group may be arranged at different positions in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation passage. The first light-emitting element constituting the first element group can be prevented from being irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light by the second light-emitting element. Furthermore, the second light-emitting element constituting the second element group can be prevented from being irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light by the first light-emitting element. In this way, even if the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are arranged opposite each other, they are not positioned so as to directly irradiate each other with ultraviolet light. Therefore, the durability of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element can be maintained.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that both end openings of the ventilation passage are open over the entirety. If a portion of both end openings of the ventilation passage is blocked by a shield or the like, the flow of gas in the ventilation passage will be obstructed. On the other hand, if both end openings of the ventilation passage are open over the entirety, the obstruction of the flow of gas in the ventilation passage can be suppressed. Therefore, the deterioration of the flow performance in the ventilation passage can be suppressed. Here, shields or the like can cause vibrations and noise. Therefore, by opening both end openings of the ventilation passage over the entirety, the generation of vibrations and noise can be suppressed.

[0034] Preferably, the ventilation passage has a reflective material on at least a portion of its inner surface for reflecting ultraviolet light, and the sterilization apparatus further includes a communication passage arranged in communication with the ventilation passage and having no reflective material on its inner surface. The reflective material in the ventilation passage increases the illuminance of ultraviolet light within the ventilation passage. On the other hand, the lack of a reflective material in the communication passage prevents ultraviolet light from being irradiated at high illuminance in the communication passage.

[0035] The ventilation passage may be a part of a duct constituting an air conditioner or an air purifier, thereby enabling the air conditioner or the air purifier to discharge sterilized gas.

[0036] (Embodiment 1) 1. Purpose of Sterilizer 1 The sterilizer 1 sterilizes by irradiating ultraviolet rays. The sterilizer 1 is applied to, for example, part of a duct that constitutes an air conditioner or an air purifier. The air conditioner or air purifier, for example, takes in indoor air, sterilizes the taken-in air with ultraviolet rays, and discharges the air into the room. In other words, the sterilizer 1 is a device that sterilizes the taken-in air with ultraviolet rays and discharges it to the outside. In addition to being used in air conditioners and air purifiers, the sterilizer 1 can also be used to sterilize the air in any location. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1 is not limited to air, and can also sterilize any gas.

[0037] In particular, the sterilizer 1 is effectively used for air conditioners or air purifiers installed in hospitals, sick children's facilities, elderly welfare facilities, medical facilities, etc. Of course, the sterilizer 1 can be used in various facilities other than the above-mentioned facilities, such as indoors in houses and facilities for business use.

[0038] The sterilization device 1 is used as a "low-velocity duct" as defined in the Air Conditioning and Sanitary Works Handbook of the Japan Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Works Association. The "low-velocity duct" in this definition refers to a duct that is configured so that the pressure loss is 1 Pa / m or less when the air velocity is 10.0 m / s or less.

[0039] 2. Basic configuration of sterilization device 1 The basic configuration of the sterilizer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The sterilizer 1 will be described as being applied to part of a duct that makes up an air conditioner or air purifier. The sterilizer 1 comprises a sterilization ventilation passage 11, a plurality of first light-emitting elements 12, a first communication passage 13, and a second communication passage 14.

[0040] The ventilation passage 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and configured to allow gas to flow through it. Both end openings of the ventilation passage 11 are open over the entire length. In other words, no shielding body or the like is disposed at either end of the ventilation passage 11. The ventilation passage 11 is a rectangular duct. That is, the ventilation passage 11 has an inner surface 21 whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is formed into a rectangular shape. The ventilation passage 11 has a reflective material 42 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) on at least a portion of the inner surface 21 to reflect ultraviolet light.

[0041] The plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 output ultraviolet light. The plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged on the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11. Therefore, the plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 are configured to sterilize the gas flowing inside the ventilation passage 11 by irradiating the gas with ultraviolet light.

[0042] Here, both end openings of the ventilation passage 11 are open over the entirety. If part of both end openings of the ventilation passage 11 were blocked by a shield or the like, the flow of gas in the ventilation passage 11 would be obstructed. On the other hand, if both end openings of the ventilation passage 11 are open over the entirety, the obstruction of the flow of gas in the ventilation passage 11 can be suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in the flow performance of the ventilation passage 11 can be suppressed. Here, shields or the like can be a cause of vibration and noise. Therefore, by opening both end openings of the ventilation passage 11 over the entirety, the generation of vibration and noise can be suppressed.

[0043] The first communication passage 13 is connected to one end of the tube of the ventilation passage 11. The first communication passage 13 is connected to the inlet side of the ventilation passage 11. Therefore, gas that has passed through the first communication passage 13 flows into the ventilation passage 11. There is no shield or the like disposed at the boundary between the ventilation passage 11 and the first communication passage 13, and they are connected throughout. The first communication passage 13 is a rectangular duct, just like the ventilation passage 11. The first communication passage 13 does not have a reflective material on its inner surface. The first communication passage 13 is made of a material that has a higher ultraviolet absorption rate than the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11.

[0044] The second communication passage 14 is connected to the other end of the tube of the ventilation passage 11. The second communication passage 14 is connected to the outlet side of the ventilation passage 11. Therefore, gas flowing out from the ventilation passage 11 passes through the second communication passage 14. There is no shield or the like disposed at the boundary between the ventilation passage 11 and the second communication passage 14, and they are in communication throughout. The second communication passage 14 is a rectangular duct, like the ventilation passage 11. The second communication passage 14 does not have a reflective material on its inner surface. The second communication passage 14 is made of a material that has a higher ultraviolet absorption rate than the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11.

[0045] Furthermore, since ventilation passage 11 has reflecting material 42, it is possible to increase the illuminance of ultraviolet light inside ventilation passage 11. On the other hand, since first communication passage 13 and second communication passage 14 do not have reflecting material, it is possible to prevent high-intensity ultraviolet light from being irradiated into first communication passage 13 and second communication passage 14.

[0046] 3. Detailed configuration of sterilization device 1 The detailed configuration of the sterilization device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 2, the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11 has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the direction of gas flow in the ventilation passage 11. Hereinafter, this cross section will be referred to as a "rectangular cross section".

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11 has a first inner surface portion 31, a second inner surface portion 32, a third inner surface portion 33, and a fourth inner surface portion 34. The first inner surface portion 31 corresponds to a first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape and is a surface that includes the first side 31a. The second inner surface portion 32 corresponds to a second side 32a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape and is a surface that includes the second side 32a. The third inner surface portion 33 corresponds to a third side 33a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape and is a surface that includes the third side 33a. The fourth inner surface portion 34 corresponds to a fourth side 34a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape and is a surface that includes the fourth side 34a.

[0048] The first inner surface portion 31 and the second inner surface portion 32 are located on the side surfaces of the ventilation passage 11. Therefore, the first inner surface portion 31 and the second inner surface portion 32 are located parallel to each other and face each other. The third inner surface portion 33 is located on the upper surface of the ventilation passage 11, and the fourth inner surface portion 34 is located on the lower surface of the ventilation passage 11. The third inner surface portion 33 and the fourth inner surface portion are located parallel to each other and face each other.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the length of the tube of the ventilation passage 11 is L. As shown in FIG. 2, the distance between the first inner surface portion 31 and the second inner surface portion 32 is W. The distance between the third inner surface portion 33 and the fourth inner surface portion 34 is H. That is, the length of the first side 31a and the length of the second side 32a are H. Furthermore, the length of the third side 33a and the length of the fourth side 34a are W. In the first embodiment, the length H of the first side 31a and the length W of the third side are equal. That is, the rectangular cross-sectional shape in the first embodiment is a square.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ventilation passage 11 includes a ventilation passage main body 41 and a reflecting material 42. The ventilation passage main body 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an inner surface 41a whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is rectangular. The ventilation passage main body 41 is formed, for example, from metal or resin. The ventilation passage main body 41 is preferably made of a material that is resistant to ultraviolet light. In the case of metal, for example, galvanized steel plate, Galvalume steel plate (registered trademark), stainless steel plate, aluminum steel plate, etc. are used for the ventilation passage main body 41. In the case of resin, for example, PC, PTFE, acrylic, PP, ABS, PVC, etc. are used for the ventilation passage main body 41.

[0051] The surface of the reflector 42 forms part of the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11. However, in the first embodiment, the surface of the reflector 42 forms the entire inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11 excluding the portion where the first light-emitting element 12 is disposed. In the first embodiment, the surface of the reflector 42 forms part of the first inner surface portion 31, and forms all of the second inner surface portion 32, the third inner surface portion 33, and the fourth inner surface portion 34. However, the surface of the reflector 42 may form only the second inner surface portion 32, or may form the other surfaces excluding the first inner surface portion 31, i.e., the second inner surface portion 32, the third inner surface portion 33, and the fourth inner surface portion 34.

[0052] The reflective material 42 is formed from a material having an ultraviolet reflectance of 80% or more, preferably 90% or more. The reflective material 42 is formed from a member separate from the ventilation passage main body 41, and may be a sheet member attached to the inner surface 41a of the ventilation passage main body 41, or may be paint attached to the inner surface 41a of the ventilation passage main body 41. The reflective material 42 may also be formed by surface treating the inner surface 41a of the ventilation passage main body 41 itself.

[0053] The reflector 42 may have, for example, a multilayer structure made of multiple types of metals, and a material with high ultraviolet reflectivity, such as aluminum, may be disposed on the surface of the multilayer structure. The reflector 42 is not limited to having a multilayer structure, and may have a single-layer structure made of a metal, such as aluminum. A distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) or the like may also be applied to the reflector 42. A highly UV-reflective resist or the like may also be applied as paint to the reflector 42. A material that has been applied with this paint may also be used.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the sterilization device 1 comprises a first element group 51 made up of a plurality of first light-emitting elements 12. In embodiment 1, the first element group 51 is made up of nine first light-emitting elements 12. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in embodiment 1, the sterilization device 1 comprises multiple rows of first element groups 51. In embodiment 1, the sterilization device 1 comprises four rows of first element groups 51. In other words, the sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1 comprises 36 first light-emitting elements 12. However, the number of first light-emitting elements 12 making up the first element group 51 and the number of arrangements of the first element groups 51 can be any number.

[0055] 2 and 3, 36 first light-emitting elements 12 constituting four rows of first element groups 51 are mounted on a substrate 52. The surface of substrate 52 constitutes a part of first inner surface portion 31 of inner surface 21 of ventilation passage 11.

[0056] 1 to 3, the four rows of first element groups 51 are arranged in the first inner surface portion 31 of the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11. In particular, the four rows of first element groups 51 are arranged in a position of the first inner surface portion 31 where no reflecting material 42 is provided. However, the four rows of first element groups 51 can also be arranged in a position where the reflecting material 42 is provided.

[0057] The 36 first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the four rows of the first element groups 51 output ultraviolet light toward the second inner surface portion 32 opposite the first inner surface portion 31. Furthermore, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element groups 51 in each row are arranged along the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other words, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element groups 51 in each row are arranged parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0058] 1 and 3, the four rows of the first element groups 51 are arranged in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation passage 11, i.e., the X-axis direction. Therefore, the 22 first light-emitting elements 12 arranged on the outer edge of the four rows of the first element groups 51 are arranged on a rectangular line.

[0059] The first light-emitting element 12 has a predetermined light distribution angle θ. The light distribution angle θ is, for example, 60° or less, and preferably 35 to 50°. By setting the light distribution angle θ to 60° or less, the maximum illuminance of ultraviolet light can be increased compared to when the light distribution angle θ is greater than 60°. Here, the light distribution angle θ is the angle at which the illuminance is 50% of the maximum illuminance.

[0060] 4. Details of Arrangement of Multiple First Light-Emitting Elements 12 Constituting First Element Group 51 The arrangement of the plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. In the first embodiment, the first element group 51 is composed of, for example, nine first light-emitting elements 12. The nine first light-emitting elements 12 are distributed and arranged along the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. Specifically, the entire length of the first side 31a is divided at equal intervals into a number (10) obtained by adding one to the number of first light-emitting elements 12. The nine first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged near a plurality of (9) internal division points when the first light-emitting elements 12 are divided at equal intervals.

[0061] Here, the internal division points are division points located inside the first side 31a, excluding both end points, when the first side 31a is divided into a plurality of parts. For example, when the first element group 51 is composed of two first light-emitting elements 12, the two first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged near two internal division points when the first side 31a is divided into three equal parts.

[0062] When nine first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged at the respective interior division points, the distance Hd1 between adjacent first light-emitting elements 12 in the first element group 51 satisfies the relationship expressed by formula (2). Furthermore, the distance between the first light-emitting element 12 located at the end of the nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 and the end point of the first side 31a is also equal to Hd1. In the first embodiment, n1 is 9. Hd1 = H / (n1+1) (2) n1: the number of first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51

[0063] However, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 may be disposed at the dividing points, or may be disposed in the vicinity of the dividing points but slightly shifted from the dividing points. For example, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 may be disposed at positions within ±5% of the distance between the dividing points when the area is divided equally from each of the dividing points.

[0064] 5. Details of Arrangement of Multiple Columns of First Element Groups 51 The arrangement of the multiple rows of first element groups 51 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. In the first embodiment, for example, four rows of first element groups 51 are arranged. The four rows of first element groups 51 are arranged in the direction of gas flow in ventilation passage 11, i.e., the X-axis direction.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the multiple rows of first element groups 51 are concentrated and arranged near the center in the X-axis direction of ventilation passage 11. Four rows of first element groups 51 are arranged near points equally spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0066] Here, the distance between the first element groups 51 located at both ends in the X-axis direction among the four rows of first element groups 51 is defined as L1. The distance between the position of the first element group 51 located at one end in the X-axis direction and one end of the cylinder of ventilation path 11 is defined as L2. The distance between the position of the first element group 51 located at the other end in the X-axis direction and the other end of the cylinder of ventilation path 11 is defined as L3. In this case, the length L of the cylinder of ventilation path 11 has a relationship that satisfies formula (3). L = L1 + L2 + L3 (3)

[0067] In the first embodiment, the relationship between L1, L2, and L3 is expressed by the formula (4). L1 < L2, L1 < L3, L2 = L3 (4)

[0068] When four columns of first element groups 51 are arranged at equal intervals, the distance L1d between adjacent first element groups 51 in the X-axis direction satisfies the relationship of formula (5). In the first embodiment, n2 is 4. Ld = L1 / (n2-1) (5) n2: the number of first element groups 51 arranged in the X-axis direction

[0069] Furthermore, the length L of the tube of the ventilation passage 11 satisfies the relationship of formula (6). L ≧ 2Wsin(θ / 2)+L1 (6) L: Length of the tube of ventilation passage 11 W: distance between the first inner surface portion 31 and the second inner surface portion 32 of the ventilation passage 11 θ: light distribution angle of the first light-emitting element 12 L1: the distance between the first element groups 51 located at both ends among the multiple rows of first element groups 51

[0070] By satisfying formula (6), it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light output from the first light-emitting element 12 from being directly irradiated onto the outer region of the ventilation passage 11. Therefore, a shield or the like that blocks part of the ventilation passage 11 to prevent ultraviolet light from leaking to the outside is not required, and obstruction of the flow of gas in the ventilation passage 11 can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the flow performance in the ventilation passage 11. Shields or the like can cause vibrations and noise. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of vibrations and noise.

[0071] 6. Distribution of ultraviolet light emitted by the first light-emitting element 12 The irradiation distribution of ultraviolet light from the plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 that make up the first element group 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0072] The light distribution angle θ of the first light-emitting element 12 is set to 50°. In Figures 2 and 3, only the positions of ultraviolet light directly emitted by the first light-emitting element 12 are indicated by solid areas with a predetermined density. However, the positions of ultraviolet light directly emitted by the first light-emitting element 12 are limited to the range of the light distribution angle θ. Furthermore, positions where ultraviolet light output from multiple first light-emitting elements 12 overlap are indicated by higher density. In other words, the higher the density, the higher the illuminance of the ultraviolet light. In reality, reflected ultraviolet light is also irradiated to areas other than the solid areas in Figures 2 and 3.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 2, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 are arranged near nine internal division points when the entire length of the first side 31a of the rectangle is divided into ten equal parts. That is, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged dispersedly along the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage 11. In other words, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 are not arranged concentratedly in the center of the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, ultraviolet light output from the nine first light-emitting elements 12 is directly irradiated over a wide area within the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage 11. That is, ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wide area within the ventilation passage 11. As a result, sterilization performance can be improved.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2, positions within the ventilation passage 11 that are not directly irradiated with ultraviolet light by the nine first light-emitting elements 12 are shown in white (not filled in). In other words, the positions that are not directly irradiated with ultraviolet light are located near the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, as described above, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 that make up the first element group 51 are dispersedly arranged. Therefore, the area within the rectangular cross-sectional shape that is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first light-emitting elements 12 is small. This improves sterilization performance.

[0075] By increasing the light distribution angle θ of the first light-emitting element 12, the area that is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet light can be reduced. However, increasing the light distribution angle θ may reduce the intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the area that is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet light while keeping the light distribution angle θ at 60° or less. Therefore, by using the above configuration, it is possible to increase the intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation while reducing the area that is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet light. As a result, it is possible to improve sterilization performance.

[0076] 6. Simulation A simulation of the illuminance distribution of ultraviolet light was performed for the sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1. For comparison, a similar simulation was also performed for the sterilization device 100. The conditions and results of each simulation will be explained with reference to Figs. 4 to 8.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4, in the sterilization device 1 of embodiment 1, as described above, four rows of first element groups 51 are arranged, and each row of first element groups 51 includes nine first light-emitting elements 12. The nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting each row of first element groups 51 are dispersedly arranged along the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. The light distribution angle θ of each first light-emitting element 12 is 50°. Furthermore, the number of light rays output by each first light-emitting element 12 is a predetermined number.

[0078] In the ventilation passage 11, the length L of the tube is 1000 mm, the length H of the first side 31a and the second side 32a, i.e., the height of the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11, is 400 mm, and the length W of the third side 33a and the fourth side 34a, i.e., the width of the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11, is 400 mm. The spacing between the four rows of the first element groups 51 is 40 mm, and the spacing between the nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting each row of the first element group 51 is 40 mm, and they are evenly arranged along the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other words, the 36 first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged in a lattice pattern with 40 mm intervals. The 36 first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged in the center of the ventilation passage 11 in the direction of gas flow.

[0079] Then, the illuminance of ultraviolet light on an evaluation surface ES located at the center between the first inner surface portion 31 and the second inner surface portion 32 is simulated.

[0080] Figure 5 shows the results of a simulation for the sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a heat map showing the illuminance distribution of ultraviolet light on the evaluation surface ES using shades of gray. The lower the density, the higher the ultraviolet light illuminance, and the higher the density, the lower the ultraviolet light illuminance. In Figure 5, the density is expressed as a range of illuminance from 0.00 x 10 -0 ~2.00×10 -5 W / mm 2, 2.00×10 -5 ~4.00×10 -5 W / mm 2 , 4.00×10 -5 ~6.00×10 -5 W / mm 2 , 6.00×10 -5 ~8.00×10 -5 W / mm 2 , 8.00 x 10 -5 ~10.00×10 -5 W / mm 2 , 10.00×10 -5 ~12.00×10 -5 W / mm 2 It was divided into:

[0081] 5, the left-right direction is the direction of gas flow in ventilation passage 11, that is, the X-axis direction, and the up-down direction is the direction parallel to first side 31a (shown in FIG. 2) of the rectangular cross-sectional shape, that is, the Z-axis direction.

[0082] It can be seen that the positions of high ultraviolet illuminance are spread in the vertical direction. That is, the positions of high ultraviolet illuminance are spread over a wide range on the first evaluation line segment EL1 (shown in FIG. 4). Here, the first evaluation line segment EL1 is a line segment that includes the point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance on the evaluation surface ES and is parallel to the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0083] It can also be seen that positions with high ultraviolet illuminance are concentrated near the center in the left-right direction. That is, on the second evaluation line EL2 (shown in FIG. 4), the ultraviolet illuminance is high at a position close to the position where the first light-emitting element 12 is arranged. On the other hand, the ultraviolet illuminance is low near the openings at both ends of the tube of the ventilation passage 11. Here, the second evaluation line EL2 is a line that includes the point on the evaluation surface ES where the ultraviolet illuminance is maximum and is perpendicular to the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. The second evaluation line EL2 is a line that is parallel to the gas flow direction in the ventilation passage 11.

[0084] As shown in Figure 6, the sterilization device 100 in the comparative example differs from the sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1 in the arrangement of the nine first light-emitting elements 12 that make up the first element group 51. The other configurations are the same. In the comparative example, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 that make up the first element group 51 are concentrated near the centre of the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0085] In the ventilation passage 11 constituting the sterilization device 100 in the comparative example, the length L of the cylinder, the length H of the first side 31a and the second side 32a, and the length W of the third side 33a and the fourth side 34a are the same as those in the first embodiment. The spacing between the four rows of the first element groups 51 is 40 mm. The spacing between the nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting each row of the first element group 51 is 10 mm, and they are concentrated near the center of the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. The 36 first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged in the center of the ventilation passage 11 in the direction of gas flow.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows the results of a simulation for the sterilization device 100 in the comparative example. FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that positions with high ultraviolet illuminance are concentrated near the center in the vertical direction. That is, on the first evaluation line segment EL1 (shown in FIG. 6), positions with high ultraviolet illuminance are concentrated near the center in the vertical direction. It can also be seen that positions with high ultraviolet illuminance are concentrated near the center in the horizontal direction. That is, on the second evaluation line segment EL2 (shown in FIG. 6), the illuminance of ultraviolet light is high at a position close to the position where the first light-emitting element 12 is arranged. On the other hand, the illuminance of ultraviolet light is low near the openings at both ends of the tube of the ventilation passage 11.

[0087] Figure 8 is a graph showing the ultraviolet illuminance distribution at the first evaluation line segment EL1 (shown in Figures 4 and 6) located at the center of the evaluation surface ES in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation channel 11, for the sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1 and the sterilization device 100 in the comparative example. In Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the height of the ventilation channel 11, i.e., the position on the first side 31a, and the vertical axis represents the ultraviolet illuminance. The solid line corresponds to embodiment 1, and the dashed line corresponds to the comparative example.

[0088] As shown by the solid line in FIG. 8, in the sterilization device 1 of embodiment 1, the maximum illuminance Vmax of ultraviolet light at the first evaluation line EL1 is 6.74×10 -5 W / mm 2 and the minimum illuminance Vmin is 5.51×10 -5 W / mm 2 The illuminance Vcen at the center between the maximum illuminance Vmax and the minimum illuminance Vmin of ultraviolet light is 6.125×10 -5 W / mm 2 The difference ΔV between the maximum UV irradiance Vmax and the minimum UV irradiance Vmin is 1.23×10 -5 W / mm 2 is.

[0089] In the sterilization apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, the length of the first evaluation line segment EL1 is 400 mm, and the width of the central illuminance Vcen between the maximum ultraviolet illuminance Vmax and the minimum ultraviolet illuminance Vmin is approximately 300 mm. That is, in the sterilization apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, the ratio R1 of the width of the central ultraviolet illuminance Vcen to the length of the first evaluation line segment EL1 is approximately 75%. That is, this ratio R1 is 50% or more. In particular, this ratio R1 is 70% or more.

[0090] Furthermore, in the sterilization device 1 of embodiment 1, the ratio R2 (=ΔV / Vmax) of the difference ΔV between the maximum illuminance Vmax and the minimum illuminance Vmin of ultraviolet light to the maximum illuminance Vmax is approximately 18%. In other words, this ratio R2 is 50% or less. In particular, this ratio R2 is 30% or less.

[0091] On the other hand, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 8, in the sterilization device 100 of the comparative example, the maximum illuminance Vmax of ultraviolet light at the first evaluation line EL1 is 11.46×10 -5 W / mm 2 and the minimum illuminance Vmin is 3.73 × 10 -5 W / mm 2 The illuminance Vcen at the center between the maximum illuminance Vmax and the minimum illuminance Vmin of ultraviolet light is 7.595×10 -5 W / mm 2The difference ΔV between the maximum UV irradiance Vmax and the minimum UV irradiance Vmin is 7.73×10 -5 W / mm 2 is.

[0092] In the sterilization device 100 of the comparative example, the length of the first evaluation line segment EL1 is 400 mm, and the width of the central illuminance Vcen between the maximum illuminance Vmax and minimum illuminance Vmin of the ultraviolet light is approximately 150 mm. In other words, in the sterilization device 100 of the comparative example, the ratio R1 of the width of the central illuminance Vcen of the ultraviolet light to the length of the first evaluation line segment EL1 is approximately 37.5%. In other words, this ratio R1 is less than 50%.

[0093] Furthermore, in the sterilization device 100 of the comparative example, the ratio R2 (=ΔV / Vmax) of the difference ΔV between the maximum illuminance Vmax and the minimum illuminance Vmin to the maximum illuminance Vmax of ultraviolet light is approximately 67%. In other words, this ratio R2 is greater than 50%.

[0094] That is, in the sterilization device 1 of embodiment 1, the ratio R1 is 50% or more at the first evaluation line segment EL1, which means that the variation in ultraviolet irradiance is small. In particular, in embodiment 1, the ratio R1 is 70% or more, which means that the variation in ultraviolet irradiance is extremely small. Because the variation in ultraviolet irradiance at the first evaluation line segment EL1 is small, it can be said that ultraviolet light with high irradiance is irradiated over a wide area inside the ventilation channel 11. As a result, the sterilization performance can be improved.

[0095] Furthermore, in the sterilization device 1 of embodiment 1, the ratio R2 is 50% or less at the first evaluation line EL1, which means that there is little variation in the illuminance of ultraviolet light. In particular, in embodiment 1, the ratio R2 is 30% or less, which means that there is extremely little variation in the illuminance of ultraviolet light. Because there is little variation in the illuminance of ultraviolet light at the first evaluation line EL1, it can be said that ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wide area inside the ventilation channel 11. As a result, the sterilization performance can be improved.

[0096] (Embodiment 2) Sterilization device 2 in embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Sterilization device 2 in embodiment 2 differs from sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1 in the position of the multiple first light-emitting elements 12 that make up first element group 51. Note that, of the symbols used in embodiment 2 and onwards, those that are the same as symbols used in the previous embodiments represent the same components, etc. as in the previous embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0097] 9, the first element group 51 of the sterilization device 2 includes five first light-emitting elements 12. The distance Hd2 between adjacent first light-emitting elements 12 of the five first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 is approximately the same. Meanwhile, the distance between the first light-emitting element 12 located at the edge of the five first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 and the end point of the first side 31a is Hd3. The distance Hd3 is shorter than the distance Hd2 between adjacent first light-emitting elements 12.

[0098] The distance Hd3 may be set to be the same as the interval Hd2 between adjacent first light-emitting elements 12. In this case, the configuration will be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0099] In other words, the distance Hd3 between the first light-emitting element 12 located at the end of the five first light-emitting elements 12 that make up the first element group 51 and the end point of the first side 31a is equal to or less than the spacing Hd2 between the five first light-emitting elements 12.

[0100] In the sterilization device 2 of embodiment 1, ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wider area inside the ventilation passage 11 than in the case where five first light-emitting elements 12 are centrally arranged, which results in improved sterilization performance.

[0101] (Embodiment 3) 1. Configuration of sterilization device 3 The sterilizer 3 of embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 10. The sterilizer 3 of embodiment 3 differs from the sterilizer 1 of embodiment 1 in that the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage 11 differs. Accordingly, the spacing Hd4 between the multiple first light-emitting elements 12 that make up the first element group 51 differs.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2, the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11 of the sterilizer 1 in embodiment 1 has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction in the ventilation passage 11. The rectangular cross section of the sterilizer 1 in embodiment 1 is a square.

[0103] As shown in Figure 10, the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the inner surface 21 of the ventilation channel 11 of the sterilizer 3 in embodiment 3 is a rectangle. In particular, the rectangular cross-sectional shape is a rectangle with the first side 31a, on which the first light-emitting element 12 is arranged, as the short side. More specifically, in the rectangular cross-sectional shape, the ratio of the short side to the long side is 0.25 or more. Because the rectangular cross-sectional shape is a rectangle with the first side 31a as the short side, the ratio of the short side to the long side is 0.25 or more and less than 1. In Figure 10, the ratio of the short side to the long side is 0.25.

[0104] When the rectangular cross-sectional shape is the above-mentioned rectangle, the short sides of the rectangle are the first side 31a and the second side 32a, and the long sides of the rectangle are the third side 33a and the fourth side 34a. The first inner surface portion 31 corresponding to the first side 31a has a plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 arranged thereon, and the second inner surface portion 32 corresponding to the second side 32a faces the first inner surface portion 31.

[0105] 2. Illuminance distribution of ultraviolet light emitted by the first light-emitting element 12 The illuminance distribution of ultraviolet light emitted by the multiple first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 in the sterilization device 3 of embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is shown under the same conditions and in the same display method as Figure 2, which shows the illuminance distribution in the sterilization device 1 of embodiment 1. It will also be compared with the sterilization device 1 of embodiment 1.

[0106] 2 showing the sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1 and FIG. 10 showing the sterilization device 3 in embodiment 3, the area of ​​the rectangular cross section of the ventilation channel 11 is the same. In this case, the area directly irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first light-emitting element 12 is wider in embodiment 3 than in embodiment 1.

[0107] Let's analyze this in more detail. By making the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage 11 a rectangle with the first side 31a as the short side, the direction of the optical axis of the first light-emitting element 12 is the direction of the long side of the rectangle. Naturally, the position of the optical axis of the first light-emitting element 12 is directly irradiated with ultraviolet light. Because the light distribution angle θ is 50°, ultraviolet light is directly irradiated over a range that is 25° wider from the optical axis. Therefore, by making the shape a rectangle with the first side 31a as the short side, the position where one first light-emitting element 12 directly irradiates ultraviolet light is wider.

[0108] Furthermore, the sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1 and the sterilization device 3 in embodiment 3 have the same number of first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51. In the sterilization device 3 in embodiment 3, the length of the first side 31a on which the multiple first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged is shorter than in embodiment 1.

[0109] Therefore, in the sterilization device 3 of embodiment 3, the intervals between the multiple first light-emitting elements 12 are shorter than in embodiment 1. Therefore, in the sterilization device 3 of embodiment 3, the area in the vicinity between adjacent first light-emitting elements 12 where the first light-emitting elements 12 do not directly irradiate ultraviolet light is narrower.

[0110] Furthermore, in the sterilization device 3 of embodiment 3, the distance between the first light-emitting element 12 located at the end of the multiple first light-emitting elements 12 and the end point of the first side 31a is also shorter than in embodiment 1. Therefore, in the sterilization device 3 of embodiment 3, the area in the vicinity between the first light-emitting element 12 located at the end and the end point of the first side 31a where the first light-emitting element 12 does not directly irradiate with ultraviolet light is narrowed.

[0111] Therefore, the sterilization device 3 of embodiment 3 can widen the area directly irradiated with the ultraviolet light output from the plurality of first light-emitting elements 12. As a result, the sterilization performance can be improved.

[0112] Here, a comparison will be made between a case where the light distribution angle θ of first light-emitting element 12 is 60° or less and a case where it is greater than 60°. The larger the light distribution angle θ, the narrower the area where first light-emitting element 12 does not directly irradiate with ultraviolet light. For example, when a light distribution angle θ is 120° and a case where it is 60° are compared, it is obvious that the area where first light-emitting element 12 does not directly irradiate with ultraviolet light is narrower when light distribution angle θ is 120°.

[0113] However, for light-emitting elements with the same performance, the smaller the light distribution angle θ, the higher the illuminance of ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is required that the light distribution angle θ be 60° or less. On the other hand, if the light distribution angle θ is made small, as described above, the area where the first light-emitting element 12 does not directly irradiate ultraviolet light becomes wider. Therefore, the smaller the light distribution angle θ, the more effective it is to make the rectangular cross-sectional shape a rectangle with the first side 31a as the short side.

[0114] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the area where the positions directly irradiated by the multiple first light-emitting elements 12 overlap is wider than in the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, this means that the area with high density is wider. In other words, the area with high ultraviolet irradiance in the rectangular cross section is wider. Therefore, the sterilization performance can be improved.

[0115] 3. Ratio of length and width of rectangular cross section The following describes the ratio H / W of the rectangular cross section of the ventilation passage 11. As described above, when the first side 31a is the short side of the rectangle, the ratio H / W of the short side to the long side of the rectangular cross section is set to 0.25 or more. This can improve sterilization performance.

[0116] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Standard Specifications for Public Building Construction (Mechanical Equipment Construction Edition), 2022 edition, stipulates that the aspect ratio for ducts should be 4 or less as a general rule. The "0.25 or more" mentioned above corresponds to the value obtained when the aspect ratio of the stipulation is reversed. By adopting values ​​based on this stipulation, vibration and noise can be suppressed when gas flows through the ventilation duct 11.

[0117] 4. Relationship between the ratio of long and short rectangular cross-sections and the cumulative amount of UV rays The relationship between the long / short ratio H / W of the rectangular cross section and the integrated amount of ultraviolet light will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The simulation conditions are as follows. Cross-sectional area of ​​ventilation passage 11: 0.16 m 2 Passing air volume (constant): 300m 3 / H Reflectivity of reflective material 42: 92% Light distribution angle θ of first light emitting element 12: 35° Output of all first light-emitting elements 12: 3.24 W Length of ventilation duct 11: 1000 mm

[0118] As shown in Figure 11, when the ratio H / W of the rectangular cross section is 1.25, the cumulative UV dose is 4.68 mJ / cm 2 When the long / short ratio H / W is 0.75, the cumulative UV dose is 5.39 mJ / cm 2 This is what happened.

[0119] Thus, the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light is higher when the long / short ratio H / W of the rectangular cross-sectional shape is 1 or less than when it is greater than 1. This proves that, as described above, arranging multiple first light-emitting elements 12 on the short side of the rectangular cross-sectional shape increases the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light.

[0120] Furthermore, as mentioned above, inferring from the relationship between the long-short ratio H / W of the rectangular cross-sectional shape and the arrangement of the first light-emitting element 12, it is thought that the smaller the long-short ratio H / W of the rectangular cross-sectional shape, the greater the cumulative amount of ultraviolet rays, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 11.

[0121] 5.Air and Sanitation Construction Handbook The sterilization device 3 is intended for use in so-called "low-speed ducts" as defined in the Air Conditioning and Sanitary Works Handbook of the Japan Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Works Association. The manual also specifies how to determine the duct diameter. For example, the length and width of a rectangular duct can be determined using the friction resistance diagram for a galvanized steel duct described in the manual to satisfy the air volume, flow velocity, and friction loss requirements.

[0122] The friction resistance diagram for the galvanized steel duct in the handbook is as shown in Figure 12. On the left side of the diagram in Figure 12, there is a line representing a wind speed of 10.0 m / s and a line representing a pressure loss of 1 Pa / m. In other words, when the wind speed is 10.0 m / s or less, the range in which the pressure loss in the ventilation duct 11 is 1 Pa / m or less is the area to the left of these two lines. The range that meets this condition is filled in dark on the left side of the diagram in Figure 12.

[0123] Next, the upper right portion of the diagram shown in Fig. 12 represents the size of the rectangular duct. As described above, in the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage 11, the ratio of the short side to the long side is 0.25 or more. The range that meets this condition is filled in with a dark color in the upper right portion of the diagram in Fig. 12.

[0124] Therefore, the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage 11 is designed to satisfy the following: in the left part of the diagram shown in Figure 12, the pressure loss in the ventilation passage 11 is in the range of 1 Pa / m or less when the wind speed is 10.0 m / s or less; and in the upper right part of the diagram, the ratio of the short side to the long side is in the range of 0.25 or more.

[0125] For example, if the wind volume is 2000m 3 When the wind speed is 4.5 m / s and the friction loss is 0.6 Pa / m, the wind speed is approximately 4.5 m / s. In this case, the long side can be set to 550 mm and the short side can be set to 250 mm, for example, within a range where the ratio of the short side to the long side is 0.25 or more. Then, multiple first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged on the 250 mm short side.

[0126] (Embodiment 4) The sterilizer 4 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. The sterilizer 4 of the fourth embodiment differs from the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment in that the length L of the tube of the ventilation passage 11 is shorter.

[0127] As described in the first embodiment, the length L of the tube of the ventilation passage 11 satisfies the relationships of the formulas (3), (5) and (6). L = L1 + L2 + L3 (3) Ld = L1 / (n2-1) (5) L ≧ 2Wsin(θ / 2)+L1 (6)

[0128] In embodiment 4, the distance L1 between the first element groups 51 located at both ends of the four rows of first element groups 51 is the same as in embodiment 1. Meanwhile, in embodiment 4, the distance L2 between the position of the first element group 51 located at one end in the X-axis direction and one end of the tube of the ventilation path 11 is shorter than in embodiment 1. Furthermore, in embodiment 4, the distance L3 between the position of the first element group 51 located at the other end in the X-axis direction and the other end of the tube of the ventilation path 11 is shorter than in embodiment 1.

[0129] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the relationship of formula (7) is satisfied: In formula (7), the coefficient K is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than 0.1. Wsin(θ / 2) ≦ L2,L3 ≦ Wsin(θ / 2)×K (7) K: Coefficient

[0130] By satisfying formula (7), it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light output from the first light-emitting element from being directly irradiated onto the outer region of the ventilation path 11. Therefore, a shield or the like that blocks part of the ventilation path 11 to prevent ultraviolet light from leaking to the outside is not required, and obstruction of the flow of gas in the ventilation path 11 can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the flow performance of the ventilation path 11. Shields or the like can cause vibrations and noise. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of vibrations and noise. Furthermore, by being able to shorten the length L of the tube of the ventilation path 11, it is possible to reduce the size of the sterilization device 4.

[0131] (Embodiment 5) The sterilization device 5 of embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 14. As shown in Figure 14, the sterilization device 5 of embodiment 5 comprises an air passage 11, a plurality of first light-emitting elements 12, a plurality of second light-emitting elements 112, a first communication passage 13 (shown in Figure 1), and a second communication passage 14 (shown in Figure 1).

[0132] The plurality of first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged on the first inner surface portion 31 of the ventilation passage 11. The sterilization device 5 also includes a first element group 51 configured from the plurality of first light-emitting elements 12. In the fifth embodiment, the first element group 51 includes nine first light-emitting elements 12.

[0133] The nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 are arranged along the first side 31a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. That is, the nine first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the sterilization device 5 includes two rows of first element groups 51. The two rows of first element groups 51 are arranged in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation channel 11, i.e., the X-axis direction.

[0134] The plurality of second light-emitting elements 112 are arranged on the second inner surface portion 32 of the ventilation passage 11. The second light-emitting elements 112 output ultraviolet light, similar to the first light-emitting elements 12. The second light-emitting elements 112 output ultraviolet light toward the first inner surface portion 31.

[0135] The sterilization device 5 also includes a second element group 151 made up of a plurality of second light-emitting elements 112. In the fifth embodiment, the second element group 151 includes nine second light-emitting elements 112.

[0136] The nine second light-emitting elements 112 constituting the second element group 151 are arranged along the second side 32a of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. That is, the nine second light-emitting elements 112 constituting the second element group 151 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the sterilization device 5 includes two rows of second element groups 151. The two rows of second element groups 151 are arranged in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation channel 11, i.e., the X-axis direction.

[0137] Here, the number of first light-emitting elements 12 constituting the first element group 51 and the number of arrangements of the first element groups 51 can be any number. Also, the number of second light-emitting elements 112 constituting the second element group 151 and the number of arrangements of the second element groups 151 can be any number.

[0138] Furthermore, the two rows of first element groups 51 and the two rows of second element groups are arranged at different positions in the direction of gas flow in ventilation passage 11, that is, in the X-axis direction.

[0139] 14, the first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112 have a predetermined light distribution angle θ. In Fig. 14, the range directly irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112 is indicated by a two-dot chain line and a trapezoidal column shape.

[0140] The first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112 are arranged so that the range where the first light-emitting element 12 directly irradiates ultraviolet light and the range where the second light-emitting element 112 directly irradiates ultraviolet light do not overlap.

[0141] The reflecting material 42 (not shown) is disposed at a position on the second inner surface portion 32 of the ventilation passage 11 where the first light-emitting element 12 directly irradiates ultraviolet light. Furthermore, the reflecting material 42 is disposed at a position on the first inner surface portion 31 of the ventilation passage 11 where the second light-emitting element 112 directly irradiates ultraviolet light. Note that the reflecting material 42 is not disposed at a position on the inner surface 21 of the ventilation passage 11 where the first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112 are disposed. However, the reflecting material 42 may be disposed at a position where the first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112 are disposed.

[0142] The ultraviolet light output from the first light-emitting element 12 arranged on the first inner surface portion 31 has a higher illuminance near the second inner surface portion 32, but a lower illuminance near the first inner surface portion 31. However, the second light-emitting element 112 is arranged on the second inner surface portion 32. The ultraviolet light output from the second light-emitting element 112 has a higher illuminance near the first inner surface portion 31, but a lower illuminance near the second inner surface portion 32.

[0143] That is, at a position where the illuminance of ultraviolet light from the first light-emitting element 12 is low, ultraviolet light with high illuminance from the second light-emitting element 112 is irradiated. Conversely, at a position where the illuminance of ultraviolet light from the second light-emitting element 112 is low, ultraviolet light with high illuminance from the first light-emitting element 12 is irradiated. In this way, ultraviolet light with high illuminance is irradiated over a wide range of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the ventilation passage 11 by the first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112. As a result, the sterilization performance can be improved.

[0144] Furthermore, the first element group 51 and the second element group 151 are arranged at different positions in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation passage 11. The first light-emitting element 12 constituting the first element group 51 can be prevented from being irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light from the second light-emitting element 112. The second light-emitting element 112 constituting the second element group 151 can be prevented from being irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light from the first light-emitting element 12. In this way, even if the first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112 are arranged opposite each other, they are not positioned so as to directly irradiate ultraviolet light with each other. Therefore, the durability of the first light-emitting element 12 and the second light-emitting element 112 can be maintained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1,2,3,4,5 Sterilizer 11 Ventilation duct 12 First light-emitting element 21 Inner 31 First inner surface 31a Side 1 32 Second inner surface 32a Side 2 42 Reflective material 51 First element group 112 second light-emitting element 151 Second element group ES evaluation aspect EL1 First evaluation line segment θ Light distribution angle

Claims

1. a sterilization ventilation channel formed in a cylindrical shape, configured to allow a gas to flow therethrough, and having an inner surface whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is formed in a rectangular shape; a first element group, which is composed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements, is arranged on a first inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that corresponds to a first side of the rectangle, outputs ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that faces the first inner surface portion, and in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged along the first side; The plurality of first light-emitting elements are When the entire length of the first side is divided into three or more equal parts, the first side is disposed near a plurality of dividing points, or A sterilization device in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged so that the distance between a first light-emitting element located at an end and the end point of the first side is equal to or less than the spacing between the plurality of first light-emitting elements.

2. a sterilization ventilation channel formed in a cylindrical shape, configured to allow a gas to flow therethrough, and having an inner surface whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is formed in a rectangular shape; a first element group, which is composed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements, is arranged on a first inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that corresponds to a first side of the rectangle, outputs ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that faces the first inner surface portion, and in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged along the first side; A sterilization device, wherein in an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes a point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance and is parallel to the first side on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first inner surface portion and the second inner surface portion, the ratio of the width of the illuminance at the center between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to the length of the evaluation line segment is 50% or more.

3. a sterilization ventilation channel formed in a cylindrical shape, configured to allow a gas to flow therethrough, and having an inner surface whose cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is formed in a rectangular shape; a first element group, which is composed of a plurality of first light-emitting elements, is arranged on a first inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that corresponds to a first side of the rectangle, outputs ultraviolet light toward a second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage that faces the first inner surface portion, and in which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are arranged along the first side; A sterilization device, wherein in an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes a point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance and is parallel to the first side on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first inner surface portion and the second inner surface portion, the ratio of the difference between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to the maximum illuminance is 50% or less.

4. 2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein in an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes a point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance and is parallel to the first side on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first inner surface portion and the second inner surface portion, the ratio of a width of the illuminance at the center between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to a length of the evaluation line segment is 50% or more.

5. 5. The sterilization device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein in an illuminance distribution on an evaluation line segment that includes a point of maximum ultraviolet illuminance on an evaluation surface located at the center between the first inner surface portion and the second inner surface portion and is parallel to the first side, the ratio of the difference between the maximum illuminance and the minimum illuminance to the maximum illuminance is 50% or less.

6. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rectangle is a rectangle having the first side as a short side.

7. The sterilizer according to claim 6, wherein the ratio of the short side to the long side of the rectangle is 0.25 or more.

8. The sterilizer is adapted to an air velocity of 10.0 m / s or less, The sterilizer according to claim 7, wherein the ventilation path is configured so that a pressure loss in the ventilation path is 1 Pa / m or less when the wind speed is 10.0 m / s or less.

9. The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light distribution angle of the first light-emitting element is 60° or less.

10. the first element group is further provided in a plurality of rows arranged in a flow direction of the gas in the ventilation passage, The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the tube of the ventilation path satisfies the following formula (1): L≧2Wsin(θ / 2)+L1... (1) L: Length of the ventilation tube W: Distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface of the ventilation passage θ: light distribution angle of the first light-emitting element L1: Distance between the first element groups located at both ends of the multiple rows of first element groups

11. moreover, The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a second element group, which is composed of a plurality of second light-emitting elements, is arranged on the second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the ventilation passage corresponding to the second side of the rectangle, outputs ultraviolet light toward the first inner surface portion, and the plurality of second light-emitting elements are arranged along the second side.

12. The sterilizer according to claim 11, wherein the first element group and the second element group are arranged at different positions in the direction of gas flow in the ventilation path.

13. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein both end openings of the ventilation passage are open over the entirety.

14. the ventilation passage has a reflective material on at least a part of the inner surface for reflecting ultraviolet light, moreover, The sterilizer according to claim 13, further comprising a communication passage arranged in communication with the ventilation passage and having no reflective material on its inner surface.

15. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ventilation path is a part of a duct constituting an air conditioner or an air purifier.

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