Air purifying device and air purification system using the same

Abstract

To provide a blowout type air cleaner or the like capable of blowing out a stable air flow that is suppressed in diffusion and excellent in a collecting action.SOLUTION: An air cleaner 101 includes: a casing 1 having a built-in cavity and an airtight structure capable of standing in a screen shape; a ventilation member 4 provided above a front face of the casing 1; an intake port and air blowing means (turbo fan), which are provided below a back face of the casing 1 for introducing air outside the casing 1 into the cavity; a pre-filter arranged in the intake port; and a main filter (HEPA filter) arranged at a distance from the ventilation member 4 in a region facing the ventilation member 4 in the cavity. A horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4 is an obtuse V-shape recessed from the front side of the casing 1 toward the back side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifying apparatus having a function of sucking and purifying indoor air to prevent scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc., and a function of purifying the sucked air and blowing it into the room, and an air purification system using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding air purifying apparatuses having a function of sucking and purifying indoor air and a function of purifying the sucked air and blowing it into the room, various shapes and functions have been developed and proposed conventionally. As those related to the present invention, for example, there is the "ultra-thin air purifying unit" described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The "ultra-thin air purifying unit" described in Patent Document 1 has an air outlet opened on one flat surface of a casing having a flat box shape with an empty interior, and a filter unit provided with a main filter at the air outlet, and an air inlet opened on one flat surface of a casing having a flat box shape with an empty interior similar to the above casing, and a pre-filter provided at the air inlet and a blower provided inside the casing behind it. The filter unit and the fan unit have a communication port for communicating the interiors of their casings with each other in a state where the end faces of each are joined, and are connected integrally by detachable connecting means in the joined state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The "ultra-thin air purifying unit" described in Patent Document 1 has an airflow that blows out from the outlet directly hitting the user. Therefore, if the airflow velocity is increased to prevent the spread of droplets, it may cause discomfort to the user who is continuously exposed to the airflow for a long period of time.

[0006] Furthermore, with the "ultra-thin air purification unit," the airflow blown out from the outlet diffuses as it flows, which can make the airflow unstable and reduce the collection effect.

[0007] Therefore, the first problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a blow-type air purifier that can blow out a stable airflow that suppresses the diffusion of airflow and has excellent collection capabilities. The second challenge is to provide an intake-type air purifier that can draw in air in a stable manner while suppressing the spread of droplets and other particles. The third challenge is to provide an air purification system that generates a stable airflow and exhibits excellent collection efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first air purifying device according to the present invention (a blow-out type air purifying device) is, The device comprises an airtight casing with a built-in cavity that can stand upright like a screen, a ventilation member provided on the upper front of the casing, an air intake and blowing means provided on the back or lower front of the casing to introduce air from outside the casing into the cavity, a pre-filter positioned at the air intake, and a main filter positioned at a distance from the ventilation member in a region facing the ventilation member within the cavity, The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member is an obtuse V-shape or a concave curve that is recessed from the front side of the casing toward the cavity, The air blown by the aforementioned blowing means into the cavity via the air intake port is blown out of the casing through the main filter and the ventilation member.

[0009] With this configuration, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member, which is the outlet surface, is an obtuse V-shape or a concave curve that is recessed towards the cavity. As a result, the airflow blown out from the ventilation member is directed towards the center from both sides of the ventilation member, suppressing the diffusion of the airflow and creating a more stable and clean airflow around the user.

[0010] Next, the second air purifier according to the present invention (suction-type air purifier) ​​is, The device comprises: an airtight casing with a built-in cavity that can stand upright like a screen; a ventilation member provided on the upper front of the casing; an exhaust port and blowing means provided on the lower back or front of the casing to introduce air from outside the casing into the cavity through the ventilation member; a main filter positioned at a distance from the ventilation member in a region facing the ventilation member within the cavity; and a pre-filter positioned between the ventilation member and the main filter. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member is an obtuse V-shape or a concave curve that is recessed from the front side of the casing toward the cavity, The air blowing means is characterized by introducing air from outside the casing into the cavity through the ventilation member, the pre-filter, and the main filter, and then discharging that air from outside the casing through the exhaust port.

[0011] With this configuration, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member, which serves as the intake surface, is an obtuse V-shape or concave curve that is recessed towards the cavity. This allows the ventilation member, which serves as the intake surface, to be closer to the user when the user is in front of the intake-type air purifier, thereby improving the collection effect.

[0012] In the aforementioned air purifier, it is desirable to arrange a plurality of filter units symmetrically within the cavity at predetermined intervals as the main filter.

[0013] With this configuration, in the case of a blow-out type air purifier, a space is provided between the ventilation member and the filter unit through which the airflow that has passed through each filter unit flows. As a result, the airflow blown out from the ventilation member is mainly the airflow that has passed through each filter unit, and the airflow from other areas becomes a secondary airflow that is slower and lower in volume than the main airflow. Furthermore, since the main airflow blows out from both ends of the ventilation member, which has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is obtuse V-shaped or concave curved inward toward the cavity, an air curtain is formed that surrounds both sides of the user receiving the blown airflow, which is effective in preventing the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc.

[0014] Furthermore, the airflow from the ventilation components can be made slower on the inside where the user is located and faster on the outside, making it less likely for the air to directly hit the user and thus reducing discomfort. In addition, the airflow speed (wind speed) on both the left and right ends can be increased, improving the effectiveness of preventing the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc.

[0015] Furthermore, in both discharge-type and suction-type air purifiers, miniaturizing each filter unit increases the rigidity of the filter, reducing deflection due to air pressure caused by filter clogging. This results in a greater final pressure drop compared to a single filter, thus extending the filter life. Additionally, the miniaturization and weight reduction of the filter unit facilitates installation and removal. Moreover, even when the area of ​​the ventilation component is large, it can be handled by arranging multiple standard-sized general-purpose filter units, eliminating the need for large, specially sized filters and thus reducing filter costs and shortening delivery times.

[0016] In the air purifier described above, the filter units can be arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the horizontal cross-section of the plurality of filter units forms part of an obtuse V-shaped line recessed from the front side of the casing toward the cavity, or parallel to the tangent of a concave curve recessed from the front side of the casing toward the cavity.

[0017] With such a configuration, in the case of a blowing-type air purifier, the above-described effect (the effect of forming an air curtain that wraps around both sides of the user who receives the blown air flow and preventing the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc.) obtained by the ventilation member having a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is a blunt V shape or a concave curve shape that is concave toward the cavity can be further enhanced. Further, in the case of a suction-type air purifier, the collection effect can be further improved.

[0018] In the air purifier, a plurality of filter units arranged symmetrically about a vertical axis, a plurality of blowing means individually communicating with the filter units, and control means for individually controlling the blowing means can be provided.

[0019] With such a configuration, the flow velocity and flow rate of the air flow supplied to the plurality of filter units arranged symmetrically about a vertical axis can be individually controlled, or the flow velocity and flow rate of the air flow sucked through the plurality of filter units can be individually controlled. Therefore, it can be used under conditions that accurately meet the user's desires and usage conditions. Further, if a fluctuation control is performed to alternately strengthen and weaken the flow velocity of the main air flow blown from the left and right, and a difference is provided in the main air flow passing through the left and right of the user, the stagnation of the air around the user is reduced, and the prevention and collection of the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc. can be performed more effectively.

[0020] In the air purifier, the angle of the horizontal cross-section of the ventilation member having a blunt V shape that is concave toward the cavity from the front side of the casing or the curvature of the horizontal cross-section of the ventilation member having a curved shape can be made changeable.

[0021] With such a configuration, the degree of freedom in the installation location of the air purifier is improved, and the degree of freedom in the formation of the air flow is also improved.

[0022] In the air purifier, it is desirable that the main filter is a HEPA filter.

[0023] With such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the function of removing and purifying minute dust, dirt, dust, etc. contained in the air blown out from the ventilation member or the air sucked in via the ventilation member, and a deodorizing effect can also be obtained.

[0024] In the air purifying apparatus, at least one of means for inactivating bacteria and viruses, means for sterilizing, or means for disinfecting can be provided in the casing or the ventilation member.

[0025] With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the effect of inactivating, sterilizing, or disinfecting bacteria, viruses, etc. contained in the air by the means for inactivating, means for sterilizing, or means for disinfecting. Note that, as the means for inactivating bacteria, viruses, etc., means for sterilizing, or means for disinfecting, for example, an ion generator, an ozone generator, etc. can be adopted.

[0026] Next, the air purifying system according to the present invention is characterized in that the first air purifying apparatus (blowing type air purifying apparatus) and the second air purifying apparatus (suction type air purifying apparatus) are arranged such that at least a part of each ventilation member faces each other.

[0027] With such a configuration, while reducing the discomfort of the user, it is possible to stabilize the air flow from the blowing type air purifying apparatus toward the suction type air purifying apparatus, so that the air flow does not diffuse and the collection effect is improved. Further, since vortices are generated on the left and right outer sides of the suction type air purifying apparatus, the collection effect is improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, a first air purifying apparatus (blowing type air purifying apparatus) that can blow out a stable air flow with excellent collection action while suppressing the diffusion of the air flow, a second air purifying apparatus (suction type air purifying apparatus) that can suck in air in a stable state while suppressing the diffusion of droplets, etc., and This system can provide an air purification system that generates a stable airflow, exhibits excellent collection efficiency, and reduces user discomfort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a partially omitted perspective view showing a blow-type air purifier, which is a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a partially abbreviated right side view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a partially abbreviated rear view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a partially simplified plan view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 5] This is a partially omitted vertical cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a partially omitted horizontal cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 7] This is a partially omitted front view showing a suction-type air purifier, which is a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a partially abbreviated rear view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a partially abbreviated right side view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 10] Figure 7 is a partially simplified plan view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 11] Figure 7 is a partially omitted vertical cross-sectional view along the CC line. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing an air purification system, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a partially abbreviated plan view schematically showing the airflow state in the air purification system. [Figure 14] This is a partially omitted vertical cross-sectional view showing a suction-type air purifier, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] (a) is a schematic side view showing an example of use of the air purifier shown in Figure 14, and (b) is a schematic top view showing the same example of use. [Figure 16]This is a partially omitted vertical cross-sectional view showing a blow-type air purifier, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how to use the air purifier shown. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing a blow-type air purifier, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 18 is a partially omitted horizontal cross-sectional view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 20] This is a partially omitted rear view showing a blow-type air purifier, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a partially abbreviated plan view schematically showing the airflow state in an air purification system, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a partially omitted perspective view showing a blow-type air purifier, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 22 is a partially omitted horizontal cross-sectional view of the EE line. [Figure 24] This is a partially omitted front perspective view showing another embodiment, a blow-type air purifier. [Figure 25] Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of the air purifier, with some parts omitted. [Figure 26] Figure 24 is a partially abbreviated front view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 27] Figure 24 is a partially abbreviated right side view of the air purifier shown. [Figure 28] Figure 26 is a partially omitted vertical cross-sectional view along the GG line. [Figure 29] This is a partially omitted horizontal cross-sectional view of the HH line in Figure 26. [Figure 30] This is a partially omitted vertical cross-sectional view showing another embodiment, a suction-type air purifier. [Figure 31] This is a partially omitted perspective view showing an anti-tipping device for an air purifier, which is another embodiment of the device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention, namely air purifiers 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 and air purifying systems, will be described based on Figures 1 to 31.

[0031] First, a blow-type air purifier 101, which is a first embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the air purifier 101 comprises a casing 1 having a vertically elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the front, a pair of support legs 2, 2 provided on the left and right portions of the lower surface of the casing 1, and a plurality of casters 3 attached to the lower surface of the support legs 2, 2. The casing 1 has a hollow section V inside and can be erected in a screen-like manner on a predetermined installation surface (for example, on the floor surface F) by the support legs 2 and casters 3.

[0032] A ventilation member 4 is positioned in the upper front portion of the casing 1, communicating with the cavity V and having numerous ventilation holes 4a through which gas can pass. The ventilation member 4 is formed by placing perforated metal on the inner circumference of a frame-shaped frame member 5 that is detachably attached to approximately the upper half of the front surface of the casing 1, but is not limited to this.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, an air intake 6 is provided on the lower rear side of the casing 1 to introduce air from outside the casing 1 into the cavity V, and a blower (turbo fan 7) is positioned inside the casing 1 within the air intake 6. A pre-filter 8 is detachably attached to the outer side of the air intake 6 (the rear side of the casing 1). The pre-filter 8 is not limited, but a filter with a coarser mesh than the main filter 9 (HEPA filter) described later is preferred, such as a Saran net filter or a nonwoven fabric filter.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, in the region of the cavity V of the casing 1 facing the ventilation member 4, multiple main filters 9,9 (HEPA filters) are arranged at a distance (gap d) from the ventilation member 4. Each of the main filters 9,9 is an independent, flat filter unit and can be attached and detached individually. The multiple main filters (filter units) 9,9 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides within the cavity V at predetermined intervals. Specifically, while the size of the casing 1 is 900 mm wide x 1400 mm high, the size of the main filter 9 is 305 mm wide x 610 mm high, and two main filters 9,9 of this size are arranged with a distance of 180 mm between them in the left-right direction.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4 is an obtuse V-shape that is recessed from the front side to the back side (inside the cavity V) of the casing 1. In this embodiment, the angle R formed by the obtuse V-shaped portion is set to 170 degrees. If the angle R is larger than this, the blown airflow will diffuse. If the angle R is smaller, the main airflow will more likely to directly hit the user. Furthermore, the ventilation member 4 can be made to have a structure that allows the angle of the horizontal cross-section (angle R formed by the obtuse V-shaped portion) to be changed. Such a structure would improve the flexibility of the installation location of the air purifier 101 and also improve the flexibility of airflow formation.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a partition member 10 is positioned in the cavity V within the casing 1. The flat partition member 10 is positioned vertically in the center of the cavity V in the left-right direction, and the cavity V located on the rear side of the main filters (filter units) 9, 9 is divided into left and right sections by the partition member 10.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the turbo fan 7, which is the blowing means, is operated in the air purifier 101, air from outside the casing 1 is drawn into the casing 1 through the pre-filter 8 and the intake port 6. As shown in Figure 6, the drawn-in air is uniformly distributed to the back sides of the main filters 9, 9 via the cavities V, V partitioned to the left and right by the partition member 10, and is purified as it passes through the main filters 9, 9. It then passes through the gap d and the ventilation holes 4a of the ventilation member 4 and is blown out into the room from the front side of the ventilation member 4.

[0038] Thus, the blow-type air purifier 101 has the function of introducing air from outside the casing 1 into the casing 1 via the pre-filter 8 and intake port using a blower (turbo fan 7), purifying it by passing it through the main filter 9, and then blowing it out of the casing 1 through the ventilation member 4.

[0039] In the air purifier 101, as shown in Figure 6, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4, which is the outlet surface, is an obtuse V-shape that is recessed toward the cavity V. As shown by the arrows in Figure 4, the airflow blown out from the ventilation member 4 is blown out so that it approaches the center from the left and right sides of the ventilation member 4. This suppresses the diffusion of the airflow, resulting in a stable airflow and an excellent collection effect.

[0040] In the air purifier 101, multiple main filters (filter units) 9,9 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides within the cavity V at predetermined intervals. As each main filter (filter unit) 9,9 is miniaturized, the rigidity of the filter is increased, deflection due to air pressure is reduced, and the final pressure loss is greater compared to a single filter, thus extending the filter life.

[0041] Furthermore, the miniaturization and weight reduction of the main filters (filter units) 9,9 makes attachment and detachment easier. Even when the area of ​​the ventilation member 4 is large, it can be handled by arranging multiple standard-sized general-purpose filter units (HEPA filters), eliminating the need for large, specially sized filters and thus reducing filter costs and shortening delivery times.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, in the air purifier 101, a plurality of flat main filters (filter units) 9,9 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the horizontal cross-section of each main filter (filter unit) 9 forms part of an obtuse V-shaped line that is recessed from the front side to the back side (inside the cavity V) of the casing 1.

[0043] Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange multiple main filters (filter units) 9,9 such that the longitudinal direction of the horizontal cross-section of each main filter (filter unit) 9,9 is parallel to the tangent of a concave curve that curves inward from the front side to the back side (inside the cavity V) of the casing 1.

[0044] Furthermore, in the air purifier 101, an airflow guide can be provided inside the cavity V to direct the air circulating within the cavity V to the main filters 9,9. By providing an airflow guide, the airflow blown from the blowing means (turbo fan 7) is rectified by the airflow guide and supplied to the main filters 9,9, thereby homogenizing the discharged airflow and improving the stability of the discharged airflow. In addition, since the pressure loss inside the cavity V is reduced, the load on the blowing means (turbo fan 7) can be reduced.

[0045] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention, the suction-type air purifier 102, will be described based on Figures 7 to 11. Note that for parts of the air purifier 102 that are common to the parts of the air purifier 101 described above, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 6 will be used, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the air purifier 102 comprises an airtight casing 1 that incorporates a cavity V and can stand upright like a screen; a ventilation member 4 provided on the upper front of the casing 1; an exhaust port 11 and a blower (turbo fan 7) provided on the lower rear of the casing 1 to introduce air from outside the casing 1 into the cavity V through the ventilation holes 4a of the ventilation member 4; a main filter 9 (HEPA filter) positioned at a distance from the ventilation member 4 in the region facing the ventilation member 4 within the cavity V; and a pre-filter 8 positioned between the ventilation member 4 and the main filter 9 (HEPA filter). An exhaust member 12 having numerous ventilation holes 12a is attached to the outer surface of the exhaust port 11 (the rear of the casing 1).

[0047] The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4 shown in Figures 7 and 11 is an obtuse V-shape that is recessed from the front side to the back side (inside the cavity V) of the casing 1, similar to the ventilation member 4 shown in Figure 6. Although not shown, the longitudinal direction of the horizontal cross-section of the main filters 9, 9 is similar to the main filters 9, 9 shown in Figure 6, with multiple main filters 9, 9 arranged so that they form part of an obtuse V-shaped line recessed from the front side to the back side (inside the cavity V) of the casing 1.

[0048] As shown in Figure 11, in the air purifier 102, when the turbo fan 7 is operated, air from outside the casing 1 passes through the ventilation member 4, pre-filter 8 and main filter 9 and is drawn into the cavity V on the rear side of the main filter 9 inside the casing 1. The air that has been purified after passing through the main filter 9 descends into the cavities V, V partitioned to the left and right by the partition member 10, is drawn into the turbo fan 7, and is blown out from the rear side of the casing 1 toward the room after passing through the exhaust port 11 and the ventilation holes 12a of the exhaust member 12.

[0049] Thus, the suction-type air purifier 102 has the function of introducing air from outside the casing 1 into the cavity V through the ventilation member 4, pre-filter 8, and main filter 9 (HEPA filter) using a blower (turbo fan 7), and discharging the air, which has been purified by passing it through the main filter 9, to the outside of the casing 1 through the exhaust port 11 and exhaust member 12.

[0050] In the air purifier 102, as described above, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4 (see Figure 7), which is the intake surface, is an obtuse V-shape that is recessed toward the cavity V. This makes it possible to bring the ventilation member 4, which is the intake surface, closer to the user sitting on the front side of the air purifier 102, thereby improving the collection effect.

[0051] Next, based on Figures 12 and 13, we will describe an air purification system formed by arranging the blow-type air purifier 101 shown in Figure 1 and the suction-type air purifier 102 shown in Figure 7 opposite each other.

[0052] Figure 12 shows an example of an air purification system installed in a hospital examination room. In this air purification system, a blow-type air purifier 101 and a suction-type air purifier 102 are arranged at a predetermined distance apart, with their respective ventilation members 4, 4 facing each other in full. The figure shows a state in which a doctor D, the user of the air purification system, is examining a patient P in the area between the air purifiers 101 and 102. Air purifier 101 draws air from the examination room into the casing 1 through the intake port 6 and blows out the air purified by the HEPA filter 9 towards doctor D. Air purifier 102 draws air that has moved through the area around doctor D and patient P into the casing 1 and discharges the air purified by the HEPA filter 9 from the exhaust port 11.

[0053] As shown in Figure 12, by arranging the blowing-type air purifier 101 and the suction-type air purifier 102 opposite each other at a predetermined distance apart, and operating their respective blowing means (turbo fans 7), an airflow is formed as shown in Figure 13, which is blown out from the ventilation member 4 on the front of the air purifier 101, flows around the doctor D and patient P, and is drawn in from the ventilation member 4 on the front of the air purifier 102.

[0054] In the air purifier 101, as shown in Figure 6, multiple HEPA filters (filter units) 9,9 are arranged symmetrically in the cavity V at predetermined intervals as the main filter, and a space (gap d) is provided between the ventilation member 4 and the HEPA filters (filter units) 9,9 through which the airflow that has passed through the HEPA filters 9,9 flows. Therefore, the airflow blown out from the ventilation member 4 is mainly the airflow that has passed through each HEPA filter 9,9, and the airflow blown out from the other area (the central part of the ventilation member 4 in the left-right direction) becomes a secondary airflow with a lower speed and lower volume than the main airflow. Furthermore, since the main airflow blows out from both the left and right ends of the ventilation member 4, which has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is an obtuse V-shape concave toward the cavity V, an air curtain is formed that surrounds both sides of the doctor D and patient P who receive the blown airflow, which is effective in preventing the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc. and collecting them.

[0055] Furthermore, the airflow velocity of the air blown out from the ventilation member 4 of the air purifier 101 can be made slower on the inside where Doctor D is located and faster on the outside. This makes it less likely for the airflow to directly hit Doctor D, thus reducing the discomfort he may feel. Additionally, the blowing velocity (flow rate) on both the left and right ends of the ventilation member 4 of the air purifier 101 can be increased, improving the effectiveness of preventing the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc., and collecting them. Moreover, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, by providing a gap d between the ventilation member 4 and the HEPA filter 9, a secondary airflow is generated from the central part of the ventilation member 4 in the left-right direction, as described above, thus preventing air stagnation in the central part of the ventilation member 4, which is the blowing surface.

[0056] As shown in Figure 12, the airflow blown out from the ventilation member 4 of the air purifier 101, passing around Doctor D and Patient P, and reaching the front of the air purifier 102, passes through the ventilation member 4 of the air purifier 102, is drawn into the casing 1, is purified by the HEPA filter 9, and then blown out from the exhaust port 11 towards the examination room, thus maintaining the air in the examination room in a normal state. Therefore, it is possible to achieve maximum effectiveness in preventing airborne infections and purifying the air in the examination room, and to expect an infection prevention effect for medical personnel such as Doctor D.

[0057] Furthermore, because the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4, which is the intake surface of the air purifier 102, is an obtuse V-shape that is recessed toward the cavity, it is possible to suppress the dissipation of the airflow blown out from the ventilation member 4 of the air purifier 101 and colliding with the intake surface of the air purifier 102, which is positioned opposite it, to the left and right sides of the ventilation member 4.

[0058] As shown in Figure 13, the airflow from the blowing-type air purifier 101 to the suction-type air purifier 102 stabilizes, increasing the airflow attraction effect. As a result, the airflow that has dispersed to the left and right outer sides of the ventilation member 4, which is the suction surface of the suction-type air purifier 102, forms a vortex and is drawn into the ventilation member 4 of the air purifier 102.

[0059] Next, based on Figures 14 to 21, other embodiments of the present invention, air purifiers 103, 104, 105, and 106, will be described. Note that for parts of air purifiers 103, 104, 105, and 106 that are common with the parts of air purifiers 101 and 102 described above, the same reference numerals as those shown in Figures 1 to 12 will be used, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0060] Next, in the suction-type air purifier 103 shown in Figure 14, the air from outside the casing 1, drawn in from the ventilation member 4 located on the upper front of the casing 1, is purified by passing through the pre-filter 8 and the HEPA filter 9, and then discharged outside the casing 1 from the exhaust port 11 located on the lower front of the casing 1.

[0061] The use of the air purifier 103 is not limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 15(a), if the air purifier 103 is placed near a user (patient P) waiting in a hospital waiting room, it is possible to prevent infection from droplets from patient P and purify the air in the waiting room. As shown in Figure 15(b), in the air purifier 103, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4, which is the intake surface, is an obtuse V-shape that is recessed toward the cavity V (see Figure 14), so the ventilation member 4, which is the intake surface, can be brought closer to the user (patient P) sitting on the front side of the air purifier 103, improving the collection effect.

[0062] Next, in the blow-type air purifier 104 shown in Figure 16, the air from outside the casing 1 that is drawn into the cavity V via the pre-filter 8 and intake port 6 located on the lower front of the casing 1 is purified by passing through the HEPA filter 9, and then discharged outside the casing 1 from the ventilation member 4 located on the upper front of the casing 1.

[0063] The use of the air purifier 104 is not limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 17, if the air purifier 104 is placed near a user (worker W) performing dispensing work at a workbench T in the dispensing room, it can be used as a simple clean bench to prevent dust and germs from contaminating the work object during dispensing, and can also purify the air in the dispensing room.

[0064] Next, in the blow-type air purifier 105 shown in Figure 18, as shown in Figure 19, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 14 is a curved shape that is recessed from the front side of the casing 1 towards the back side (inside the cavity V). In this embodiment, the radius of curvature is set to 2500 mm relative to the size of the casing 1 (width 900 mm x height 1400 mm). As a result, as shown by the arrows in Figures 18 and 19, the airflow blown out from the ventilation member 14 is blown out so that it approaches the center from the left and right sides of the ventilation member 14, thereby suppressing the diffusion of the airflow, resulting in a stable airflow and an excellent collection effect. In addition, the main airflow is less likely to directly hit the user, which can reduce user discomfort.

[0065] Furthermore, the curvature of the horizontal cross-section of the ventilation member 14, which has a curved shape that is recessed from the front side to the back side (inside the cavity V) of the casing 1, can be changed. With such a configuration, the degree of freedom in the installation location of the air purifier 105 is increased, and the degree of freedom in airflow formation is also increased.

[0066] Next, in the blow-type air purifier 106 shown in Figure 20, intake ports 6, 6 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower rear portion of the casing 1, and blowing means (not shown) are arranged inside the intake ports 6, 6 of the casing 1. In the case of the air purifier 106, a partition member (not shown) corresponding to the partition member 10 shown in Figures 5, 6 is extended to the lower edge of the casing 1 to divide the cavity into left and right sections, and blowing means are arranged in the left and right cavities V, V, respectively. In addition, control means (not shown) are provided to individually control the multiple blowing means. The structure and function of the other parts are the same as those of the air purifier 101 shown in Figure 1.

[0067] In the air purifier 106, air from outside the casing 1, drawn into the casing 1 via the pre-filter 8 and the intake port 6 by multiple blowing means, rises through two cavities V, V separated to the left and right by a partition member (not shown) that extends to the lower edge of the casing 1, corresponding to the partition member 10 shown in Figure 6, and is supplied to the back side of two symmetrically arranged HEPA filters 9, 9, passes through the HEPA filters 9, 9 individually, and is blown out of the casing 1 from the ventilation member 4.

[0068] Therefore, by using control means to individually control multiple blowing means, the flow velocity and flow rate of the airflow supplied to multiple HEPA filters 9,9 arranged symmetrically can be individually controlled, allowing the system to be used under conditions that accurately meet the user's needs and operating conditions.

[0069] Figure 21 shows an air purification system formed by arranging the air purifier 106 shown in Figure 20 and the air purifier 102 shown in Figure 7 opposite each other. As shown in Figure 21, by individually controlling the multiple air blowing means of the air purifier 106, fluctuation control is performed to alternately change the strength of the flow velocity of the main airflow blown out from the left and right sides of the ventilation member 4 of the air purifier 106. By creating a difference in the main airflow passing to the left and right of the user, physician D, the stagnation of air around physician D and patient P is reduced, and the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc. can be effectively prevented and collected.

[0070] Furthermore, the air purifier 106 can be used independently. By performing fluctuation control to alternately change the strength of the main airflow velocity blown out from the left and right sides of the ventilation member 4, and by creating a difference in the main airflow passing to the left and right of the user, Doctor D and Patient P, the stagnation of air around Doctor D and Patient P is reduced, and the scattering of viruses, bacteria, dust, etc. can be effectively prevented.

[0071] Although not shown in the diagram, in a suction-type air purifier, exhaust ports 6,6 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower rear of the casing 1, respectively. By configuring the system to independently control the flow velocity and flow rate of the airflow drawn in from the ventilation member 4 through multiple HEPA filters 9,9, it becomes possible to use the device under conditions that accurately meet the user's needs and operating conditions.

[0072] Next, based on Figures 22 and 23, we will describe another embodiment, the blow-type air purifier 107. In the parts of the air purifier 107 shown in Figures 22 and 23, parts common to the air purifier 101 shown in Figures 1 and 6 are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 6, and their explanation is omitted.

[0073] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, in the air purifier 107, ion generators 15 are positioned on the back side of each of the multiple discharge holes 13 that are vertically arranged in series in the center of the left-right direction of the ventilation member 4. The ion generators 15 have the function of generating active oxygen by plasma discharge, producing (+) positive ions and (-) negative ions, and releasing them into the air. In the case of the blow-type air purifier 101, by including the ions generated by the ion generators 15 in the airflow blown out from the ventilation member 4, bacteria and viruses floating in the air can be inactivated. In addition to the ion generators 15, other means such as ozone generators can also be used as means to inactivate, sterilize, or kill bacteria and viruses.

[0074] Furthermore, the discharge port 13 and ion generator 15 provided in the air purifier 107 shown in Figures 22 and 23 can also be provided in the air purifier 102. By providing the discharge port 13 and ion generator 15 in the suction-type air purifier 102, bacteria and viruses can be collected in an inactivated or killed state, improving safety from the standpoint of infection prevention. In addition to the ion generator 15, other means such as an ozone generator can also be used in the air purifier 102 as means of inactivating, sterilizing, or disinfecting bacteria and viruses.

[0075] Furthermore, in the air purification system shown in Figure 12, if the air purification device 107 shown in Figures 22 and 23 is placed instead of the air purification device 101, and the air purification device 102 is equipped with an outlet 13 and an ion generator 15, viruses, bacteria, etc. can be killed or inactivated by the airflow from the blow-type air purification device 107 and reliably captured by the opposing suction-type air purification device 102. This not only improves the level of cleanliness, but also improves safety from the standpoint of infection prevention, as viruses, etc. can be captured in an inactivated or killed state.

[0076] Next, other embodiments, the blow-type air purifier 108 and the suction-type air purifier 109, will be described based on Figures 24 to 29 and Figure 30. Note that for parts of the air purifiers 108 and 109 that are common with the parts of the air purifiers 101 and 102 described above, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 11 will be used, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] As shown in Figures 24 to 29, the blow-out type air purifier 108 comprises a casing 1 having a vertically elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the front, a pair of support legs 2,2 provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the casing 1, and a plurality of casters 3 attached to the lower surface of the support legs 2,2.

[0078] A ventilation member 4 is positioned in the upper part of the front of the casing 1, communicating with the cavity V and having numerous ventilation holes (not shown) through which gas can pass. Below the ventilation member 4 on the front of the casing 1, a front panel 17 with a flat surface is positioned. As shown in Figure 29, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member 4 is a concave curve that is recessed from the front side of the casing towards the back side (inside the cavity V).

[0079] The ventilation member 4 is formed by placing perforated metal on the inner circumference of a frame-shaped frame member 5 that is detachably attached to approximately the upper half of the front surface of the casing 1, but is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 24, 26, and 28, the spaces between the upper edge 4b ​​and lower edge 4c of the ventilation member 4 and the frame member 5 are blocked by substantially bow-shaped closing members 16a and 16b, respectively. The closing member 16a slopes downward toward the upper edge 4b ​​of the ventilation member 4, and the closing member 16b slopes upward toward the lower edge 4c of the ventilation member 4.

[0080] By providing the blocking members 16a and 16b, the area of ​​the central part of the ventilation member 4 is reduced. Therefore, in the case of a blow-out type, the airflow that passes through the ventilation member 4 increases at both ends compared to the center. As a result, the diffusion of the airflow blown out from the ventilation member 4 is further suppressed, creating a more stable clean airflow around the user and increasing the air curtain effect (between the user and the surrounding environment). Similarly, in the case of a suction type, the airflow at both ends of the ventilation member 4 increases, creating a stable clean airflow and increasing the aforementioned air curtain effect.

[0081] Furthermore, by providing a downward slope to the closing member 16a and an upward slope to 16b, it is possible to suppress the increase in pressure loss when narrowing the central area of ​​the ventilation member 4, and the design of the air purifier 108 is also improved.

[0082] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, within the cavity V of the casing 1, multiple main filters 9,9 (HEPA filters) are arranged in the region facing the ventilation member 4, separated from the ventilation member 4 by a distance (gap d). Each of the main filters 9,9 is an independent, flat filter unit and can be individually attached and detached. The multiple main filters (filter units) 9,9 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides within the cavity V at predetermined intervals.

[0083] As shown in Figure 29, the filter units 9, 9 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the horizontal cross-section of each filter unit 9, 9 is parallel to the tangent L of a concave curve (a concave curve including the horizontal cross-section of the ventilation member 4) that is recessed from the front side of the casing 1 toward the cavity V.

[0084] As shown in Figure 28, an air intake 6 is provided on the lower rear side of the casing 1 to introduce air from outside the casing 1 into the cavity V, and a blower (turbo fan 7) is positioned inside the casing 1 behind the air intake 6. A pre-filter 8 is detachably attached to the outer side of the air intake 6 (the rear side of the casing 1).

[0085] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, in the air purifier 108, when the turbo fan 7 is operated, air from outside the casing 1 is drawn into the casing 1 through the pre-filter 8 and the intake port 6. The drawn-in air is uniformly distributed to the back sides of the main filters 9, 9 via the cavities V, V partitioned to the left and right by the partition member 10, and is purified as it passes through the main filters 9, 9. It then passes through the gap d and the ventilation holes (not shown) of the ventilation member 4 and is blown out into the room from the front side of the ventilation member 4.

[0086] Next, in the intake-type air purifier 109 shown in Figure 30, the turbo fan 7 is positioned such that its airflow direction is opposite (180 degrees opposite) to the airflow direction of the turbo fan 7 in the outlet-type air purifier 108 shown in Figure 29. In addition, a pre-filter (not shown) is positioned between the ventilation member 4 and the main filter 9. The configuration of the other parts of the air purifier 109 is the same as that of the air purifier 108 shown in Figure 29.

[0087] As shown in Figure 30, in the air purifier 109, when the turbo fan 7 is operated, air from outside the casing 1 passes through the ventilation member 4, pre-filter (not shown), and main filter 9, and is drawn into the cavity V on the rear side of the main filter 9 inside the casing 1. The air that has been purified after passing through the main filter 9 descends into the cavities V, V partitioned to the left and right by the partition member 10, is drawn into the turbo fan 7, passes through the exhaust port 11, and is blown out into the room from the rear side of the casing 1.

[0088] Thus, the suction-type air purifier 109 has the function of introducing air from outside the casing 1 into the cavity V through the ventilation member 4, pre-filter (not shown), and main filter 9 (HEPA filter) using a blower (turbo fan 7), and discharging the air, which has been purified by passing it through the main filter 9, to the outside of the casing 1 through the exhaust port 11.

[0089] Next, an anti-tipping device 20 that is detachably attached to the support legs 2 of the air purifier 109 will be described based on Figures 30 and 31. As shown in Figure 31, the anti-tipping device 20 comprises a base plate 21 that is placed on the floor surface F (see Figure 30) and an engaging member 22 fixed to the upper surface 21a of the base plate 21. The base plate 21 is formed from a rectangular flat plate, and the engaging member 22 is formed from a channel material with a U-shaped cross-section.

[0090] One of the pair of flat surfaces 22a and 22b that form the engaging member 22 is fixed to the upper surface 21a of the base plate 21, and the other flat surface 22b is above the flat surface 22a and is approximately parallel to the flat surface 22a. The distance between the opposing surfaces of the flat surfaces 22a and 22b is greater than the outer diameter of the wheel 3b of the caster 3.

[0091] A pair of slits 22c, 22c, which have a U-shape in plan view, are provided in the flat section 22b. The width of each slit 22c, 22c is greater than the outer diameter of the pivot shaft 3a of the caster 3. The spacing between the slits 22c, 22c is equivalent to the spacing between the pivot shafts 3a, 3a of the casters 3, 3.

[0092] In the flat portion 22a, recessed portions 22d, 22d are provided in the portions directly below the slits 22c, 22c, respectively. The recessed portions 22d are formed to a size that allows the area near the lower surface of the wheel 3b of the caster 3 to be fitted into them.

[0093] As shown in Figure 31, the anti-tipping device 20 is brought closer to the support leg 2 of the air purifier 109 with the opening side of its engaging member 22 facing the support leg 2 from the outside of the support leg 2 on the right side of the air purifier 109. The long side of the base plate 21 is inserted between the wheels 3b,3b of the casters 3,3 and the floor surface F (see Figure 30), and the entire anti-tipping device 20 is pressed towards the support leg 2. As the wheels 3b,3b rotate and ride onto the upper surface 21a of the base plate 21, they rotate and move along the flat surface 22a of the engaging member 22. In parallel with this, the support legs 3a,3a each enter the back through the openings of the slits 22c,22c, and the anti-tipping device 20 is installed when the vicinity of the lower surface of the wheels 3b,3b fits into the concave parts 22d,22d. At this time, the wheels 3b,3b are positioned between the flat surfaces 22a,22b of the engaging member 22. Although not shown in the diagram, the anti-tipping device 20 can also be attached to the left support leg 2 of the air purifier 109 using the same procedure.

[0094] By attaching the anti-tipping devices 20, 20 to the left and right support legs 2, 2 of the air purifier 109, the caster 3 is prevented from rotating around the pivot shaft 3a, and the wheel 3b is also prevented from rotating, thus preventing the air purifier 109 from tipping over. On the other hand, by following the reverse procedure shown in Figure 31, the anti-tipping devices 20 can be detached from the support legs 2.

[0095] Figure 31 shows the state in which the anti-tipping device 20 is attached to the support legs 2 of the air purifier 109, but it is not limited to this, and the anti-tipping device 20 can also be attached to and used with the other air purifiers 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 shown in Figures 1 to 30 in a detachable manner.

[0096] The air purifying devices 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 and air purifying systems described with reference to Figures 1 to 31 are all illustrative examples of the air purifying devices and air purifying systems according to the present invention, and the air purifying devices and air purifying systems according to the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned air purifying devices 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 and air purifying systems. [Industrial applicability]

[0097] The air purifying device and air purifying system according to the present invention can be widely used in various industrial fields where it is necessary to purify indoor air or maintain indoor air in a clean state. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1 Casing 2 Support legs 3 Caster 3a spindle 3b wheels 4,14 Ventilation components 4a, 12a Ventilation holes 4b Upper edge 4c Lower edge 5 Frame members 6. Air intake 7. Turbo fan (air blower) 8 Pre-filter 9. Main filter (HEPA filter, filter unit) 10 Partition members 11 Exhaust vent 12 Exhaust components 13 Discharge hole 15 Ion Generator 16a, 16b Closure members 17 Front Panel 20 Anti-tip devices 21 Base Plate 21a Top surface 22 Engaging member 22a, 22b flat part 22c slit 22d concave part 101, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 Air purifiers with air outlets 102, 103, 109 Intake-type air purifier d gap Doctor D F Floor L tangent P patient T Workbench R is the angle formed by the obtuse V-shaped portion. W user

Claims

1. The airtight casing has a built-in hollow portion and can stand up like a partition; a ventilation member provided on the upper front side of the casing; an air intake port and air blowing means provided on the back side or lower front side of the casing for introducing air outside the casing into the hollow portion; a pre-filter arranged on the air intake port; and a main filter arranged in the hollow portion in an area facing the ventilation member at a distance from the ventilation member, The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member is an obtuse V-shape or a concave curve that is concave from the front side of the casing toward the inside of the hollow portion, The air purifying device is characterized in that the air outside the casing is introduced into the hollow portion through the air intake by the air blowing means and is blown out of the casing through the main filter and the ventilation member.

2. a casing having an airtight structure that has a built-in hollow portion and can stand up like a partition; a ventilation member provided on an upper front surface of the casing; an exhaust port and air blowing means provided on a rear surface or a lower front surface of the casing for introducing air outside the casing into the hollow portion through the ventilation member; a main filter disposed in a region facing the ventilation member within the hollow portion at a distance from the ventilation member; and a pre-filter disposed between the ventilation member and the main filter, The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member is an obtuse V-shape or a concave curve that is concave from the front side of the casing toward the inside of the hollow portion, The air purifying device is characterized in that the air outside the casing is introduced into the hollow portion through the ventilation member, the pre-filter and the main filter by the air blowing means and is discharged outside the casing through the exhaust port.

3. 3. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the main filter comprises a plurality of filter units arranged symmetrically at predetermined intervals in the cavity.

4. 4. The air purifying device of claim 3, wherein the filter units are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the horizontal cross section of each of the filter units forms part of an obtuse-angled V-shaped line recessed from the front side of the casing toward the interior of the hollow portion, or is parallel to a tangent to a concave curve recessed from the front side of the casing toward the interior of the hollow portion.

5. 5. The air purifying device according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of air blowing means each communicating with a plurality of filter units arranged symmetrically on the left and right, and a control means for individually controlling the air blowing means.

6. The air purifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the angle of the horizontal cross section of the ventilation member that forms an obtuse V-shape recessed from the front side of the casing toward the hollow portion or the curvature of the horizontal cross section of the ventilation member that forms a recessed curved shape is changeable.

7. 7. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the main filter is a HEPA filter.

8. 8. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the casing or the ventilation member is provided with one or more of a means for inactivating bacteria or viruses, a means for sterilizing, or a means for disinfecting.

9. An air purification system comprising an air purifying device according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8 and an air purifying device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, arranged so that at least a portion of each of the ventilation members faces each other.

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