Purification system

Abstract

The system purifies the interior of the vehicle while reducing the impact on the human body of the occupants. [Solution] The control device 30 executes a first mode in which it drives the sampling pump 11 when there are occupants in the vehicle compartment, and a second mode in which it drives the sampling pump 11 and increases the intensity of the purification treatment by the purification device 16 compared to the first mode when there are no occupants in the vehicle compartment.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a purification system.

Background Art

[0002] As an air purification device, the one described in Patent Document 1 below is known. The purification device described in Patent Document 1 below sprays bactericidal water mist into the atmosphere, allows the aerosol to which the bactericidal water mist adheres to flow into an electrostatic dust collection mechanism composed of a discharge electrode and a dust collection electrode, and collects and sterilizes the aerosol on the surface of the dust collection electrode by the Coulomb force accompanying the charging of corona discharge. <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This disclosure relates to a purification system comprising: a purification device that performs a purification treatment on the air inside a vehicle cabin in a mobile vehicle in a purification area; a sampling pump that draws in the air inside the vehicle cabin so that it reaches the purification area; and a control device that controls the purification device and the sampling pump. The control device operates in a first mode in which it drives at least the sampling pump when there are occupants inside the vehicle cabin, and in a second mode in which it drives the sampling pump and increases the intensity of the purification treatment by the purification device compared to the first mode when there are no occupants inside the vehicle cabin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to purify the interior of a mobile vehicle while reducing the impact on the human body of the occupants riding in the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile body equipped with the purification device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the purification device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the purification device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the purification device shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the explanation, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, the mobile body M equipped with the purification device according to this embodiment will be described. The mobile body M is an electric vehicle and is configured to be rechargeable using a charger (not shown).

[0011] The mobile vehicle M is equipped with an occupant monitoring camera 20, an occupant seat 21, a seat pressure sensor 22, an occupant confirmation door 23, and a GPS sensor 24. The occupant monitoring camera 20 is a camera that monitors whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle of the mobile vehicle M. The occupant monitoring camera 20 outputs information on the presence or absence of an occupant to the control device 30.

[0012] The passenger seat 21 is a seat for passengers to sit in inside the vehicle of the mobile vehicle M. The seat pressure sensor 22 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a passenger is seated in the passenger seat 21. The seat pressure sensor 22 outputs information on whether or not a passenger is seated to the control device 30.

[0013] The occupant confirmation door 23 is used to confirm whether or not there are occupants inside the vehicle of the mobile vehicle M, and is also a door for occupants to get in and out. The GPS sensor 24 is a sensor for detecting the position of the mobile vehicle M. The GPS sensor 24 outputs the position information of the mobile vehicle M to the control device 30.

[0014] The mobile unit M is equipped with a purification channel 10, a sampling pump 11, a HEPA filter 12, filters 13, 14, and 15, a purification device 16, a differential pressure gauge 17, and a control device 30.

[0015] The purification channel 10 is a channel for sending air from inside the vehicle of the mobile vehicle M to the outside. The purification channel 10 is provided with an upper intake port 10a, a lower intake port 10b, an outlet port 10c, and a purification area 10d.

[0016] The upper intake port 10a is an air intake port located at the top of the passenger compartment. Since ultrafine particles, when dried, are less likely to aggregate and more likely to re-suspend and be inhaled by humans, it is preferable to provide the upper intake port 10a at the top of the passenger compartment. The lower intake port 10b is an air intake port located at the bottom of the passenger compartment. The exhaust port 10c is an opening for discharging the air drawn in from the upper intake port 10a and the lower intake port 10b to the outside of the passenger compartment. A purification region 10d is provided along the path from the upper intake port 10a and the lower intake port 10b to the exhaust port 10c. The purification region 10d is a region for purifying the air drawn in from the upper intake port 10a and the lower intake port 10b. A throttling may be provided in the purification region 10d.

[0017] The sampling pump 11 is a pump for forming an airflow from the upper intake port 10a and the lower intake port 10b to the discharge port 10c. The sampling pump 11 is installed in the purification flow path 10 between the purification area 10d and the discharge port 10c.

[0018] The HEPA filter 12 is a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, and for example, it is an air filter that has a particle collection efficiency of 99.97% or more for particles with a diameter of 0.3 μm at the rated airflow rate, and an initial pressure loss of 245 Pa or less. The HEPA filter 12 is installed in the purification region 10d.

[0019] Filter 13 may be a filter with a coarser mesh than HEPA filter 12. Filter 13 is located in the purification region 10d, upstream of HEPA filter 12.

[0020] Filter 14 is a filter equivalent to filter 13. Filter 14 is provided between the upper suction port 10a and the purification area 10d. Filter 15 is a filter equivalent to filter 13. Filter 15 is provided between the lower suction port 10b and the purification area 10d. All three of filters 13, 14, and 15 may be provided, or one or two of them may be selectively provided.

[0021] Purification device 16 is a device that performs purification processing. The purification processing includes all processes that contribute directly or indirectly to purification, such as supplying a purification treatment agent, supplying a liquid that enhances the adsorption effect of the HEPA filter, supplying ozone generated by plasma, etc. Purification device 16 is configured to be able to execute any of the purification processes. If it is a purification process that supplies a purification treatment agent or a liquid that enhances the effect of the filter, purification device 16 is a liquid supply device. If the purification process is ozone supply by plasma, purification device 16 is a plasma generation device. As the purification treatment agent, sterilizing solvents such as ozone gas, chlorine oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, ethanol, and methanol are used. As the purification treatment, ultraviolet rays or the like may be irradiated.

[0022] Purification device 16 is configured to be able to adjust the intensity of the purification process, such as increasing or suppressing the effect of the purification process. Increasing the intensity of the purification process includes increasing the supply amount of the purification treatment agent (including starting the supply from a state of 0), increasing the supply amount of the liquid that enhances the effect of the HEPA filter (including starting the supply from a state of 0), increasing the voltage of the plasma (including starting the voltage application from a state of 0), etc., and generally includes increasing the degree of involvement of the purification process relatively from the time point of the comparison target.

[0023] The purification device 16 is configured to perform purification treatment on the purification area 10d based on control information from the control device 30. If the purification treatment involves supplying a liquid that enhances the effectiveness of a purification agent or filter, the purification device 16 supplies the liquid upstream of the HEPA filter 12 in the purification area 10d. If the purification treatment involves supplying ozone by plasma, the purification device 16 supplies ozone upstream of the HEPA filter 12 in the purification area 10d. The purification device 16 pressurizes and delivers the purification agent, and adjusts the supply of the purification agent by opening and closing a supply valve. If at least one of filter 14 or filter 15 is provided, the piping from the purification device 16 to the purification area 10d may be arranged upstream of filter 13, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, and the purification agent may be added before filter 13.

[0024] The differential pressure gauge 17 is used to measure whether an appropriate airflow is formed in the purification channel 10. The differential pressure gauge 17 measures the differential pressure upstream of the filter 13, between the filter 13 and the HEPA filter 12, between the HEPA filter 12 and the sampling pump 11, and downstream of the sampling pump 11. The differential pressure gauge 17 outputs the measured differential pressure information to the control device 30.

[0025] The control device 30 is a device that controls the purification device 16 and the sampling pump 11. The control device 30 performs control processing based on the input information and program.

[0026] Referring to Figure 2, an example of the control process of the control device 30 will be explained. The flowchart shown in Figure 2 illustrates the case where the purification process supplies a liquid that enhances the effectiveness of the purification agent and filter.

[0027] In step S01, the control device 30 determines whether the ignition of the mobile vehicle M is ON or whether there is an occupant inside. If the ignition of the mobile vehicle M is not ON and there is no occupant inside (step S01: NO), the process in step S01 continues. Whether or not there is an occupant inside may also be determined by determining the stopping position using the GPS sensor 24, determining the presence or absence of an occupant using the occupant monitoring camera 20, or by opening and closing the occupant confirmation door 23. If the ignition of the mobile vehicle M is ON or there is an occupant inside (step S01: YES), the process proceeds to step S02.

[0028] In step S02, the control device 30 starts the sampling pump 11. In step S03, following step S02, the control device 30 determines whether the differential pressure measured by the differential pressure gauge 17 is normal or not. If the filter 13 or HEPA filter 12 is clogged, the differential pressure will show an abnormal value. If the sampling pump 11 is not operating normally, the differential pressure will show an abnormal value.

[0029] If the differential pressure is within the normal range (Step S03: YES), the process proceeds to Step S04. If the differential pressure is not within the normal range (Step S03: NO), the control device 30 stops the sampling pump 11 and notifies the system of the abnormality using an unshown indicator, and the process returns to Step S01.

[0030] In step S04, the sampling pump 11 continues to operate, so ultrafine particles are collected by the HEPA filter 12. In step S05, which follows step S04, the control device 30 determines whether or not the additive treatment conditions are met.

[0031] When supplying a liquid that enhances the effectiveness of a purification agent or filter, the control device 30 considers the impact on the occupants and determines that the additive treatment conditions are met if there are no occupants on the mobile unit M. The control device 30 can determine the presence or absence of occupants based on detection information from the occupant monitoring camera 20 and the seat pressure sensor 22. The control device 30 may also determine the presence or absence of occupants based on the opening and closing information of the occupant confirmation door 23. The control device 30 may also determine the presence or absence of occupants based on location information and operation information from the GPS sensor 24.

[0032] If it is determined that the additive processing conditions are met (Step S05: YES), the process proceeds to Step S06. If it is determined that the additive processing conditions are not met (Step S05: NO), the process proceeds to Step S04.

[0033] In step S06, the control device 30 instructs the purification device 16 to perform the additive treatment. In step S07, which follows step S06, the control device 30 determines whether or not the conditions for completion of the additive treatment have been met.

[0034] The control device 30 determines that the additive treatment has been completed if it has determined that the additive treatment has been sufficiently performed, based on the supply amount and supply time of the liquid that enhances the effectiveness of the purification agent and filter. The control device 30 can also determine that the additive treatment has been completed if the remaining amount of the liquid that enhances the effectiveness of the purification agent and filter is likely to be insufficient. In this case, the control device 30 may notify the system of the shortage of the liquid that enhances the effectiveness of the purification agent and filter.

[0035] If it is determined that the conditions for ending the additive process have been met (Step S07: YES), the process proceeds to Step S08. If it is determined that the conditions for ending the additive process have not been met (Step S07: NO), the process proceeds to Step S06.

[0036] In step S08, the control device 30 instructs the purification device 16 to complete the additive treatment. In step S09, following step S08, the control device 30 determines whether or not the additive dilution conditions are met.

[0037] If any liquid that enhances the effectiveness of the purification agent or filter remains in the purification area 10d, there is a possibility that it may flow back into the passenger compartment. Therefore, the control device 30 continues to operate the sampling pump 11 for a certain period of time after the additive treatment by the purification device 16 has finished, to dilute the additive.

[0038] If it is determined that the additive dilution conditions are met (Step S09: YES), the process proceeds to Step S10. If it is determined that the additive dilution conditions are not met (Step S09: NO), the process repeats Step S09. Meeting the additive dilution conditions means, for example, that the purification agent is in a state that does not have any effect on the human body, and that there is no odor, allergy, bacterial balance, or RNA (DNA mirror cell) alteration. In Step S10, the control device 30 stops the sampling pump 11.

[0039] An example of the control process of the control device 30 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4 show the case where the purification process is ozone supply by plasma, and the purification device 16 supplies ozone upstream of the HEPA filter 12 in the purification region 10d. The flowchart shown in Figure 3 is the flow of the collection mode when the vehicle is in motion with occupants on board and ozone supply is suppressed, and the flowchart shown in Figure 4 is the flow of the purification mode when the conditions for increasing ozone supply are met and purification is performed.

[0040] In step S21 of Figure 3, the control device 30 determines whether the ignition of the mobile body M is ON or whether there is an occupant. If the ignition of the mobile body M is not ON and there is no occupant (step S21: NO), the process of step S21 continues. If the ignition of the mobile body M is ON or there is an occupant (step S21: YES), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0041] In step S22, the control device 30 starts the sampling pump 11. In step S23, following step S22, the control device 30 determines whether the differential pressure measured by the differential pressure gauge 17 is normal or not. If the filter 13 or HEPA filter 12 is clogged, the differential pressure will show an abnormal value. If the sampling pump 11 is not operating normally, the differential pressure will show an abnormal value.

[0042] If the differential pressure is within the normal range (step S23: YES), the process proceeds to step S24. If the differential pressure is not within the normal range (step S23: NO), the control device 30 stops the sampling pump 11 and notifies the system of the abnormality using an unillustrated indicator, and the process returns to step S21.

[0043] In step S24, the control device 30 activates the purification device 16 as a plasma generator. Since there are occupants on board, the control device 30 adjusts the voltage by maintaining the plasma generation voltage at a low level or shortening the energizing time so that the ozone generated by the purification device 16 is not excessive and is sufficient for the aggregation of ultrafine particles by charging. The sampling pump 11 continues to run, so ultrafine particles are collected by the HEPA filter 12. In step S25, following step S24, the control device 30 determines whether the termination conditions have been met.

[0044] If it is determined that the termination condition is met (step S25: YES), the process proceeds to step S26. If it is determined that the termination condition is not met (step S25: NO), the process repeats step S25. In step S26, the control device stops the purification device 16 as a plasma generator. In step S27, following step S26, the control device 30 stops the sampling pump 11.

[0045] In step S41 of Figure 4, the control device 30 determines whether the ignition of the mobile body M is ON or whether there is an occupant. If the ignition of the mobile body M is not ON and there is no occupant (step S41: NO), the process of step S41 continues. If the ignition of the mobile body M is ON or there is an occupant (step S41: YES), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0046] In step S42, the control device 30 starts the sampling pump 11. In step S43, following step S42, the control device 30 determines whether the differential pressure measured by the differential pressure gauge 17 is normal or not. If the filter 13 or HEPA filter 12 is clogged, the differential pressure will show an abnormal value. If the sampling pump 11 is not operating normally, the differential pressure will show an abnormal value.

[0047] If the differential pressure is within the normal range (step S43: YES), the process proceeds to step S44. If the differential pressure is not within the normal range (step S43: NO), the control device 30 stops the sampling pump 11 and notifies the system of the abnormality using an unshown indicator, and the process returns to step S41.

[0048] In step S44, the control device 30 activates the purification device 16 as a plasma generator. Since there are occupants on board, voltage adjustments are made, such as maintaining the plasma generation voltage at a low voltage or shortening the energizing time, to prevent an excess of ozone from being generated by the purification device 16. As the sampling pump 11 continues to run, ultrafine particles are collected by the HEPA filter 12.

[0049] In step S45, following step S44, the control device 30 determines whether the purification conditions are met. When supplying high-concentration ozone from the purification device 16 as a plasma generator, the control device 30 considers the impact on the occupants and determines that the purification conditions are met if there are no occupants on the mobile body M. The control device 30 can determine the presence or absence of occupants based on detection information from the occupant monitoring camera 20 and the seat pressure sensor 22. The control device 30 may also determine the presence or absence of occupants based on the opening and closing information of the occupant confirmation door 23. The control device 30 may also determine the presence or absence of occupants based on location information and operation information from the GPS sensor 24.

[0050] If it is determined that the purification conditions are met (Step S45: YES), the process proceeds to Step S46. If it is determined that the purification conditions are not met (Step S45: NO), the process proceeds to Step S44.

[0051] In step S46, the control device 30 instructs the purification device 16 to perform the purification process. During the purification process, voltage adjustments are made, such as maintaining the plasma generation voltage at a high voltage or relatively increasing the energizing time, in order to increase the ozone concentration. In step S47, following step S46, the control device 30 determines whether or not the purification completion conditions have been met.

[0052] The control device 30 determines that the purification completion conditions have been met when it determines that the ozone addition treatment has been sufficiently carried out, based on the amount of ozone supplied, the supply time, etc.

[0053] If it is determined that the purification completion conditions have been met (Step S47: YES), the process proceeds to Step S48. If it is determined that the purification completion conditions have not been met (Step S47: NO), the process proceeds to Step S46.

[0054] In step S48, the control device 30 instructs the purification device 16 to complete the purification process. In step S49, following step S48, the control device 30 determines whether or not the purification dilution conditions are met.

[0055] If high concentrations of ozone remain in the purification area 10d, there is a possibility of backflow into the vehicle interior. Therefore, the control device 30 continues to operate the sampling pump 11 for a certain period of time after the purification process by the purification device 16 is completed, in order to dilute the ozone.

[0056] If it is determined that the purification dilution conditions are met (step S49: YES), the process proceeds to step S50. If it is determined that the purification dilution conditions are not met (step S49: NO), the process repeats step S49. In step S50, the control device 30 stops the sampling pump 11.

[0057] The control devices and methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control devices and methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control devices and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0058] The embodiments have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Modifications made to these specific examples by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of this disclosure, as long as they retain the features of this disclosure. The elements, their arrangement, conditions, shapes, etc., of each of the aforementioned specific examples are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of each of the aforementioned specific examples can be combined in different ways as appropriate, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0059] [Note] [Note 1] A purification device 16 performs a purification treatment on the air inside the vehicle cabin of the mobile vehicle M in the purification area 10d, A sampling pump 11 draws in air from inside the vehicle so that it reaches the purification area 10d, The system includes a control device 30 that controls the purification device 16 and the sampling pump 11, A purification system in which the control device 30 performs a first mode in which it drives the sampling pump 11 when there are occupants in the vehicle compartment, and a second mode in which it drives the sampling pump 11 and increases the intensity of the purification treatment by the purification device 16 compared to the first mode when there are no occupants in the vehicle compartment.

[0060] The first mode is, for example, the processing from steps S02 to S04 in Figure 2, the processing from steps S22 to S24 in Figure 3, and the processing from steps S42 to S44 in Figure 4. The second mode is, for example, the processing from steps S05 to S06 in Figure 2, and the processing from steps S45 to S46 in Figure 4.

[0061] For example, the coronavirus has a smaller particle size than previous viruses, making it difficult to capture. Even if the coronavirus is captured, there are concerns about potential health effects at high concentrations with conventional purification solvents, and concerns that prolonged exposure may be necessary at low concentrations. Therefore, when occupants are present, a first mode is executed that primarily captures the virus, and when there are no occupants (when parked or charging), a second mode is executed that relatively increases the intensity of the purification process, for example, by increasing the concentration of the purification solvent (a liquid that enhances the effectiveness of the purification agent or filter).

[0062] The purification area 10d is equipped with a HEPA filter 12 and a filter 13. By using a HEPA filter 12 with a finer mesh than filter 13, the efficiency of virus capture is increased.

[0063] When the second mode, which increases the intensity of the purification treatment by the purification device 16 compared to the first mode, is executed, the concentration of the purification solvent (a liquid that enhances the effectiveness of the purification agent and filter) increases. Therefore, it is preferable to continue driving the sampling pump 11 after executing the second mode to dilute the purification solvent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] M: Mobile object 10: Purification channel 10a: Upper intake port 10b: Lower intake port 10c: Outlet 10d: Purification area 11: Sampling pump 12: HEPA filter 13,14,15: Filters 16: Purification device 17: Differential pressure gauge 20: Crew Surveillance Camera 21: Crew seat 22: Seat pressure sensor 23: Crew confirmation door 24: GPS sensor 30: Control device

Claims

[Claim 1] A purification device that performs air purification treatment in a purification area for the air inside a vehicle in a mobile vehicle, A sampling pump that draws in the air inside the vehicle so that it reaches the purification area, The system comprises a control device for controlling the purification device and the sampling pump, A purification system in which the control device performs a first mode in which it drives at least the sampling pump when there is an occupant in the vehicle compartment, and a second mode in which it drives the sampling pump and increases the intensity of the purification treatment by the purification device compared to the first mode when there is no occupant in the vehicle compartment.

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