Photocatalyst unit and mask equipped with the photocatalyst unit

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a photocatalyst unit that makes it possible to efficiently irradiate a photocatalyst with UV light and improve the fluid cleaning effect of the photocatalyst, has a reduced thickness and size as a photocatalyst unit formed from a photocatalyst filter and a light irradiation unit, and also has a high degree of design freedom as pertains to channel structure. [Solution] A photocatalyst carrier 3 having a plurality of blade plate parts 41 carrying a photocatalyst on the surface thereof. The plurality of blade plate parts 41 are impellers 4 that rotate upon receiving pressure from a fluid passing through fluid passages 10. Light irradiation units 5 are provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate parts 41 of the impellers 4 with light from prescribed positions on the outer circumferential side relative to the blade plate parts 41 of the impellers 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photocatalyst unit that purifies fluids such as air using a photocatalyst, and a mask equipped with the photocatalyst unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, air purifiers having an air purification structure that decomposes viruses and the like using a photocatalyst have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). These conventional air purification structures using a photocatalyst constitute a photocatalyst filter by supporting a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide on one surface of the front and back surfaces of a plate-shaped base material (filter base material) having a large number of air passage holes penetrating in the thickness direction, and an ultraviolet lamp is arranged at a position facing the photocatalyst support surface of the photocatalyst filter at intervals of a plurality of lamps. A photocatalyst unit is provided, and air is supplied to the unit from one side of the front and back in the filter thickness direction, and air is circulated through the air passage holes of the filter, the photocatalyst layer, and the gaps between the plurality of ultraviolet lamps. Then, in the process of passing through the photocatalyst layer, harmful substances in the air are decomposed and removed by the photocatalyst excited by ultraviolet rays.

[0003] In such an air purification structure using a conventional photocatalyst unit, since the photocatalyst filter and the ultraviolet lamp are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction of the filter, the thickness of the unit becomes large, and there is a limit to thinning and compacting. In addition, since the structure is such that air flows between the ultraviolet lamps, there is also a limit to increasing the number of ultraviolet lamps that cause air resistance, and there are also certain limits to improving the irradiation amount and irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays on the photocatalyst filter. For example, even if the photocatalyst is supported up to the inner back side of the air passage holes of the plate-shaped base material, it is difficult to efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays up to that depth.

[0004] On the other hand, a plurality of plate-like portions with photocatalyst supported on both the front and back surfaces are arranged such that the front and back surfaces of adjacent plate-like portions face each other with a gap therebetween, and a photocatalyst filter is configured with the gap serving as an air flow path. Among the end faces of each plate-like portion of the photocatalyst filter, at a position facing at least one of the end faces on the air inlet side to the gap and the end faces on the air outlet side from the gap, and at a position separated from the end face by a predetermined distance, an ultraviolet irradiation unit for irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the gap is arranged. Between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the end face of each plate-like portion, an air supply path for taking in air from a side substantially parallel to the end face and supplying it to the flow path formed by the gap between the plate-like portions, or an air discharge path for discharging the air that has exited from the flow path to a side substantially parallel to the end face is formed, and an air purification structure has been proposed (see Patent Document 3).

[0005] In such an air purification structure, an ultraviolet irradiation unit is arranged at a position separated from the end face on the air inlet side or the air outlet side of each plate-like portion of the photocatalyst filter by a predetermined distance. Between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the end face of each plate-like portion, an air supply path for taking in air from a side substantially parallel to the end face, or an air discharge path for discharging air to a side substantially parallel to the end face is formed. Since air is not supplied or discharged through the gap of the ultraviolet lamp, the degree of freedom in the design of the ultraviolet irradiation unit is significantly improved, and it becomes easy to irradiate ultraviolet rays efficiently by the photocatalyst of each plate-like portion and significantly improve the air purification effect by the photocatalyst.

[0006] However, such an air purification structure has a structure in which air is supplied or discharged in an L shape from the side between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the photocatalyst filter. Therefore, the form (flow path) of air supply / discharge is limited, and it is inevitable that the unit as a whole becomes larger. Also, in cases where it is desired to pass the fluid straight in the filter thickness direction rather than in such an L shape, the above configuration cannot be adopted, and there is a problem that the flow path structure is limited.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above situation, what the present invention aims to solve is to efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays to the photocatalyst to improve the fluid purification effect by the photocatalyst. At the same time, as a photocatalyst unit composed of a photocatalyst filter and a light irradiation unit, it is possible to make it thin and small-sized, and the degree of freedom in designing the flow path structure is also high. The present invention provides a photocatalyst unit and a mask provided with the photocatalyst unit. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] The applicant of the present application has already proposed a fluid purification structure by the following photocatalyst that can be made thin and small-sized, and has a high degree of freedom in designing the flow path structure (Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-123741). That is, it is composed of a corrugated member in which a plurality of mountain portions and valley portions are alternately formed, and fluid passage holes for allowing fluid to pass through are formed in one or both of the top of the mountain portion and the bottom of the valley portion. A photocatalyst filter having a photocatalyst supported on the front and back surfaces, and one or both of one end side and the other end side in the direction in which the mountain portion and the valley portion of the photocatalyst filter extend, and irradiating ultraviolet light or visible light inward in the direction in which the mountain portion and the valley portion extend. A light irradiation unit, a fluid supply path provided on one side of one of the front and back surfaces of the photocatalyst filter for supplying fluid toward the one surface, and provided on the other side of the front and back surfaces of the photocatalyst filter. A fluid discharge path for discharging the fluid supplied from the fluid supply path, passing through the fluid passage hole, and coming out from the other surface, and one or both of the fluid supply path and the fluid discharge path are internally provided, and a dust collection filter provided facing one or the other surface. A fluid purification structure by a photocatalyst is proposed.

[0010] According to such a fluid purification structure, the light irradiation unit is not provided at a position facing the filter surface as in the prior art, but is provided on one or both of one end side and the other end side in the direction in which the ridges and valleys of the photocatalyst filter extend, and is configured to irradiate ultraviolet or visible light inward from that position in the direction in which the ridges and valleys extend. Therefore, the fluid can flow straight in the filter thickness direction without being obstructed by the light irradiation unit, the degree of freedom in flow path design is improved, and the unit composed of the filter and the light irradiation unit can be significantly thinned and miniaturized.

[0011] However, since it is a structure in which light is irradiated inward from the end portions in the direction in which the ridges and valleys of the photocatalyst filter extend as described above, when the photocatalyst filter has a large area and the ridges and valleys become long, it is difficult for the light to reach deep inside sufficiently. In particular, the ridges / valleys far from the position of the light irradiation unit receive insufficient light, and it is necessary to increase the amount of light or the number of the light irradiation units, resulting in problems of increased cost and heat generation.

[0012] In view of such a situation, the present inventor has intensively studied and as a result, found that the photocatalyst filter is not composed of a fixed corrugated plate having conventional ridges and valleys, but a impeller is provided in which a plurality of blade plates carrying a photocatalyst rotate by receiving pressure from the fluid, and if light is irradiated from the outer peripheral side to the rotating blade plates of this impeller, the surfaces of the blade plates can be irradiated with light sequentially and uniformly. Thereby, it is possible to uniformly and efficiently supply light to the photocatalyst-carrying part with a small number of light irradiation units, and to obtain a sufficient purification effect as a whole without increasing the amount of light or the number, and the present invention has been completed.

[0013] That is, the present invention includes the following inventions.

[0014] (1) A photocatalyst unit comprising: a photocatalyst filter having a fluid passage through which a fluid passes and, within the fluid passage, a photocatalyst carrier having a photocatalyst supported on a surface in contact with the fluid; and a light irradiation unit provided inside the photocatalyst filter for irradiating ultraviolet or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier on which the photocatalyst is supported. The photocatalyst carrier is an impeller having a plurality of blade plates with the photocatalyst supported on the surfaces, and the plurality of blade plates receive pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage and rotate about an axis. The light irradiation unit is provided to irradiate the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plates of the impeller onto the rotating blade plates of the impeller.

[0015] (2) The photocatalyst carrier is a propeller fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plates provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion with the photocatalyst supported on the surfaces. The fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion for introducing the fluid from a direction along the axis and a fluid discharge portion for discharging the fluid toward the downstream side in the direction along the axis. The photocatalyst unit according to (1).

[0016] (3) The photocatalyst filter is formed in a flat box shape with a thickness smaller than the sizes of the upper and lower surfaces, and has a frame provided with the fluid passage inside, and a plurality of the impellers arranged in parallel in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the frame. One or two or more light irradiation units are provided for each of the impellers. The photocatalyst unit according to (1) or (2).

[0017] (4) The frame is a lattice frame provided with gaps through which the fluid passes on the upper and lower surfaces. At a predetermined intersection provided on the lattice frame, the impeller is rotatably erected, and the light irradiation unit for irradiating light onto the blade plates of the impeller is attached to other intersections around the intersection. The photocatalyst unit according to (3).

[0018] (5) The other intersections are provided with standing pieces, and the light irradiation unit is fixed to the standing pieces. The photocatalyst unit according to (4).

[0019] (6) The frame is provided with a rolling bearing for rotatably supporting the impeller, and the photocatalytic unit according to any one of (3) to (5).

[0020] (7) The photocatalytic filter has a cylindrical frame extending in a direction along the axis, and a plurality of the impellers arranged on a shaft portion extending in the length direction of the cylindrical frame, and one or two or more of the light irradiation portions are provided for each of the impellers, and the photocatalytic unit according to (1) or (2).

[0021] (8) The photocatalyst carrier is a blower fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis, and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft portion and having the photocatalyst supported on the surface, and the fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion for introducing the fluid from one side in a direction along the axis or a direction orthogonal to the axis, and a fluid discharge portion for discharging the fluid toward the other side in a direction along the axis or a direction orthogonal to the axis, and the photocatalytic unit according to (1).

[0022] (9) The photocatalyst carrier is a cross-flow fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis, and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft portion and having the photocatalyst supported on the surface, and the fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion for introducing the fluid from a direction orthogonal to the axis, and a fluid discharge portion for discharging the fluid from a position different from the fluid introduction portion in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and the photocatalytic unit according to (1).

[0023] (10) The light irradiation portion irradiates the light from the predetermined position toward the axis of the impeller, and the photocatalytic unit according to any one of (1) to (9).

[0024] (11) A reflecting member is provided on the outer peripheral side of the impeller, extending in the circumferential direction of the impeller, and having an inner peripheral surface facing the impeller as a reflecting surface for reflecting light, and the photocatalytic unit according to any one of (1) to (10).

[0025] (12) Further provided with a generator that generates electricity by the power generated by the rotation of the impeller, and the irradiation unit irradiates the light according to the power supplied from the generator, the photocatalyst unit according to any one of (1) to (11).

[0026] (13) A mask provided with the photocatalyst unit according to any one of (1), (2), or (8), and the photocatalyst unit is disposed in an air passage portion generated according to the respiration of the mask wearer.

[0027] (14) The photocatalyst unit according to (11), wherein the reflecting member has an inner peripheral surface that is substantially C-shaped in cross section and is curved inwardly on the inner peripheral side so as to cover the tip of the blade plate portion of the impeller.

[0028] (15) The photocatalyst unit according to (11) or (14), wherein the light irradiation unit is attached through the inner peripheral surface of the reflecting member.

[0029] (16) The photocatalyst unit according to any one of (11), (14), or (15), wherein the reflecting member is provided in an annular shape so as to cover the impeller over substantially the entire circumference thereof.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention configured as described above, by irradiating ultraviolet or visible light from a light irradiation unit provided at a position on the outer peripheral side with respect to a plurality of blade plate portions carrying a photocatalyst, harmful substances, malodors, etc. in the fluid are efficiently decomposed and removed by the photocatalyst carried on the front and back surfaces of the filter and the inner surface of the fluid passage holes. Further, since the light irradiation unit is not provided at a position facing the filter surface as in the prior art, but is provided at a position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion as described above, it is possible to circulate the fluid without being obstructed by the light irradiation unit, improving the degree of freedom in flow path design and significantly thinning and compacting the unit composed of the filter and the light irradiation unit.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the light from the light irradiation unit can be sequentially and uniformly irradiated onto the surface of the blade plate portion that rotates by fluid pressure, and with a small number of light irradiation units, light can be uniformly and efficiently supplied to the photocatalyst carrier portion, increasing the amount of light without increasing the amount or number, making it possible to obtain a sufficient purification effect as a whole, avoiding an increase in cost, suppressing the amount of heat generated by the light irradiation unit, and solving the problem of heat. Also, since such a impeller is not driven by a motor, the support structure of the shaft can be made into a simple structure, for example, it can easily be made into a removable structure. If the impeller can be removed in this way, it becomes easy to clean dirt such as oil adhering to the blade plate portion and the wall surface of the fluid passage, and other maintenance.

[0032] Here, it is efficient for the light irradiation unit to irradiate light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side toward the shaft portion of the impeller in terms of applying light to the upper and lower surfaces of the blade plate portion.

[0033] Also, when the photocatalyst carrier is a propeller fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion and having the photocatalyst supported on the surface, and the fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion that introduces the fluid from a direction along the axis and a fluid discharge portion that discharges the fluid toward the downstream side in the direction along the axis, by installing it in a fluid passage where the fluid circulates forcibly by an electric fan or the like, or in an environment where it circulates naturally, the impeller can be rotated smoothly.

[0034] In addition, when the photocatalyst filter is formed in a flat box shape with a thickness smaller than the sizes of the upper and lower surfaces, and has a frame provided with the fluid passage therein and a plurality of the impellers arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the frame, and one or two or more of the light irradiation portions are provided for each of the impellers, it is possible to increase the number of impellers which are photocatalyst carriers while maintaining the overall thinness, and improve the fluid purification effect by the photocatalyst. Further, if the number is increased and the size of each is reduced, even when the fluid passage amount (flow rate) is small and the fluid pressure is low, the blade plate portions of each impeller can be rotated, and light can be uniformly irradiated from the minimum light irradiation portion to the blade plate portions to improve the efficiency of fluid purification by the photocatalyst.

[0035] In addition, when the frame is a lattice frame provided with gaps through which the fluid passes on the upper surface and the lower surface, and the impeller is rotatably erected at a predetermined intersection provided in the lattice frame, and the light irradiation portion for irradiating light to the blade plate portion of the impeller is attached to another intersection around the intersection, while providing the shaft portion of the impeller and the light irradiation portion at the intersection where the rigidity is maintained, the fluid passing between the rotating blade plate portions can be efficiently introduced or discharged through the gaps of the lattice frame without being obstructed by the light irradiation portion or the like, and the pressure loss due to the fluid passage resistance can be kept low, and the overall weight can be reduced while maintaining the strength.

[0036] In addition, when the frame is provided with a rolling bearing for rotatably supporting the impeller, even if dust or the like accumulates on the shaft portion, smooth rotation of the blade plate portion can be maintained over a long period, the fluid pressure loss can be reduced, and even when the fluid passage amount (flow rate) is small and the fluid pressure is low, the blade plate portions of each impeller can be rotated, and light can be uniformly irradiated from the minimum light irradiation portion to the blade plate portions to improve the efficiency of fluid purification by the photocatalyst.

[0037] Further, when the photocatalyst filter has a cylindrical frame extending in a direction along the axis and a plurality of the impellers arranged on a shaft portion extending in the length direction of the cylindrical frame, and one or more light irradiation portions are provided for each of the impellers, there is an advantage that the contact opportunity between the fluid and the photocatalyst carrier can be increased without increasing the installation area of the photocatalyst unit in the direction orthogonal to the axis, and a sufficient purification effect can be obtained.

[0038] Further, the photocatalyst carrier is a blower fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft portion and having the photocatalyst supported on the surface. The fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion that introduces the fluid from one side in the direction along the axis or in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and a fluid discharge portion that discharges the fluid toward the other side in the direction along the axis or in a direction orthogonal to the axis. In a state where light is irradiated from the light irradiation portion toward the rotating blade plate portion, by bringing the fluid passing through the fluid passage into contact with the photocatalyst supported on the surface of the blade plate portion, harmful substances, malodors, etc. in the fluid can also be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst. Further, since the flow direction of the fluid passing through the fluid passage changes in the orthogonal direction and the fluid temporarily stays between the rotating blade plate portions, the contact opportunity between the fluid and the surface of the blade plate portion on which the photocatalyst is supported is increased, and the catalytic action can be enhanced. Also, since the fluid discharge portion is provided in a direction orthogonal to the fluid introduction portion as described above, the design variations can be increased.

[0039] In addition, when the photocatalyst carrier is a cross-flow fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft portion with the photocatalyst supported on the surface, and the fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion that introduces the fluid from a direction orthogonal to the axis and a fluid discharge portion that discharges the fluid from a position different from the fluid introduction portion in the direction orthogonal to the axis, harmful substances, bad odors, etc. in the fluid can also be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst. At the same time, the time during which the fluid temporarily stays between the rotating blade plate portions can be made longer than that of the blower fan-like one, the contact opportunity between the fluid and the surface of the blade plate portion on which the photocatalyst is supported is further increased, and the above-mentioned catalytic action can be enhanced. In addition, since the dimension of the blade plate portion in the axial direction can be freely set, the fluid passage can be made large in the axial direction. Even when the wind pressure of the fluid passing through the fluid passage is weak, the impeller can be effectively rotated, and it can be efficiently installed in a relatively large flow path, and it is also easy to keep the flow resistance lower.

[0040] In addition, when a reflecting member is provided on the outer peripheral side of the impeller, which extends in the circumferential direction of the impeller and has an inner peripheral surface facing the impeller as a reflecting surface for reflecting light, the light from the light irradiation portion can be efficiently and entirely irradiated onto the surface of the blade plate portion of the impeller.

[0041] In addition, when a generator that generates electricity in response to the rotation of the impeller is further provided, and the irradiation portion irradiates the light with the electric power generated by the generator, the generator can directly store the electric power generated by the generator or a battery that stores the electric power generated by the generator, and the electric power can be supplied from the battery to the irradiation portion to irradiate the light. Since there is no need to supply electric power from an external power source to the light irradiation portion, combined with the fact that the rotational power of the impeller is unnecessary, it becomes possible to eliminate all wirings from an external power source, and the workability and installation freedom when retrofitting the photocatalyst unit into an existing duct, etc. are significantly improved, and the applications can be significantly enhanced.

[0042] Further, according to the mask of the present invention provided with the photocatalyst unit and disposed in the air passage portion generated according to the breathing of the mask wearer, the impeller of the photocatalyst unit can be rotated according to the air flow generated according to the breathing of the mask wearer. Then, in a state where light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit to the blade plate portion of the impeller, by bringing air into contact with the photocatalyst supported on the surface thereof, harmful components, malodorous components, etc. in the air can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst, and viruses in the air can be inactivated. Thereafter, since air is led out from the air outlet portion on the back side of the mask or the air outlet portion on the front side of the mask, there is an advantage that it is possible to effectively prevent viruses and the like from entering the human body or diffusing into the atmosphere.

[0043] Further, when the reflecting member has a substantially C-shaped inner peripheral surface that is curved inward on the inner peripheral side so as to cover the tip of the blade plate portion of the impeller, the light from the light irradiation unit can be efficiently irradiated onto the entire surface of the blade plate portion of the impeller, and light leakage from the fluid inlets and outlets above and below the unit can also be prevented.

[0044] Further, when the light irradiation unit is attached through the inner peripheral surface of the reflecting member, the light from the light irradiation unit can be more reliably irradiated toward the blade plate portion, and the heat generated by the light irradiation unit can be transmitted to the reflecting member and dissipated into the fluid passing through the inner surface of the reflecting member.

[0045] Further, when the reflecting member is provided in an annular shape so as to cover the impeller over substantially the entire circumference, the light from the light irradiation unit can be more efficiently irradiated onto the entire surface of the blade plate portion of the impeller.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] Next, a first embodiment of the photocatalyst unit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. (First Embodiment)

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the photocatalyst unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a flat box-shaped lattice frame 20 having a thickness dimension smaller than the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the upper and lower surfaces, and a photocatalyst filter 2 having a photocatalyst carrier 3 on the surface in contact with the fluid, on which a photocatalyst is supported. The photocatalyst filter 2 is provided inside the photocatalyst filter 2, and a light irradiation unit 5 that irradiates light composed of ultraviolet rays or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier 3. Harmful substances and malodors in the fluid can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the photocatalyst of the photocatalyst carrier.

[0049] The lattice frame 20 has a frame body 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 6) that constitutes the lower surface thereof and an upper lid 23 (see FIGS. 1 and 5A and 5B) that constitutes the upper surface thereof. Through the lattice-shaped gaps between these upper and lower surfaces, a fluid passage 10 in the thickness direction is configured so that a fluid such as air can pass through the inside in the thickness direction. The frame body 22 and the upper lid 23 that constitute the lattice frame 20 are both made of metal, and the upper lid 23 is fitted in a state of being in contact with the inner surfaces of the side walls 220, 221, 222, and 223 of the lattice frame 20 and is integrally assembled. Thereby, the heat generated by the light irradiation unit 5 is absorbed by the entire frame, and it is configured to be able to efficiently dissipate heat into the fluid. As shown in FIG. 5B, the fluid passage 10 has a fluid introduction portion 10a that introduces the fluid from the upper surface side of the lattice frame 20 in a direction along the axis of the impeller 4 described later, and a fluid discharge portion 10b that discharges the fluid toward the downstream side in the direction along the axis.

[0050] As can be seen from Figures 3, 4, and 6, the photocatalyst carrier 3 is attached to a predetermined intersection 21A having rigidity of the lattice frame 20 on the lower side, and the light irradiation unit 5 is attached to a similarly rigid intersection 21B in the vicinity. Therefore, the light irradiation unit 5 and the like do not get in the way, and the fluid efficiently flows in or out through the gaps in the lattice frame 20, and pressure loss due to the passage resistance of the fluid is kept low, and the unit is lightweight while maintaining sufficient strength.

[0051] The photocatalyst carrier 3 is composed of a shaft portion 40 that rotates around an axis extending in the thickness direction of the lattice frame 20, and a plurality of vane plate portions 41 that are provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 40 and have the photocatalyst supported on their surfaces, and these plurality of vane plate portions 41 form a propeller fan-like impeller 4 that rotates under pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage 10. That is, the impeller 4 is configured such that the plurality of vane plate portions 41 rotate like a windmill under pressure from the fluid introduced from the fluid introduction portion 10a, thereby directing the fluid to the fluid outlet portion 10b.

[0052] More specifically, the shaft 40 of the impeller 4 is rotatably erected at a predetermined intersection 21A of the lattice frame 20 constituting the upper or lower surface, and the light irradiating unit 5 for irradiating light to the blade plate 41 of the impeller 4 is attached to another intersection 21B around the intersection 21A. In this embodiment, the shaft 40 of the impeller 4 is rotatably supported by a rolling bearing 42 fixed to the frame main body 22 constituting the lower surface of the lattice frame 20, thereby allowing the blade plate 41 to rotate smoothly. The rolling bearing 42 may be provided on the upper cover 23 of the lattice frame 20, or the rolling bearings 42 may be provided on both the frame main body 22 and the upper cover 23.

[0053] In this example, both the shaft portion 40 and the blade plate portion 41 are made of metal. In particular, the blade plate portion 41 is formed by pressing a metal plate so that a plurality of them are integrally processed, and a photocatalyst layer is coated and formed on its upper and lower surfaces. That is, it is configured as a single-piece blade member in which a plurality of blade plate portions 41 are formed at a predetermined interval in the radial direction from the central portion having the mounting hole, and the mounting hole is caulked to the outer peripheral portion of the tip of the shaft portion 40, whereby the shaft portion 40 and the blade member having the blade plate portion 41 are integrated.

[0054] By forming a plurality of blade plate portions 41 in such a single-piece integrally processed product, it is possible to reduce the thickness and weight while maintaining the strength of the entire blade member. As the metal materials for the shaft portion 40 and the blade plate portion 41, various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used, but it is not limited to this. Materials other than metal may also be used.

[0055] The photocatalyst layer is a layer in which photocatalyst particles such as ultraviolet excitation type photocatalyst particles of titanium oxide or visible light excitation type photocatalyst particles mainly composed of tungsten trioxide are supported on the surface of the member. The method of supporting the photocatalyst particles (forming the photocatalyst layer) is not particularly limited, but the slurry dipping impregnation method, which is relatively cost-effective, is preferred. Other means such as dipping impregnation method, vacuum impregnation method, and sol-gel method can also be used.

[0056] The light irradiation unit 5 is provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4 with the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4. Specifically, as also shown in FIG. 7, a standing piece 21C is provided at the intersection portion 21B, and the light irradiation unit 5 is fixed to the standing piece 21C. Therefore, the heat of the light irradiation unit 5 is transmitted to the entire lattice-shaped frame 20 through the standing piece 21C and is efficiently dissipated into the fluid passing through the gaps of the frame.

[0057] As the light irradiation unit 5, for example, an LED substrate 50 having an LED element 51 as a light source that irradiates light by power supplied from a power source (not shown) is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this example, two light irradiation units 5 are provided at angular positions shifted from each other by 90 degrees, and as the plurality of blade plate portions 41 of the impeller 4 rotate, they sequentially receive light, and the entire surface of all the blade plate portions 41 is uniformly irradiated with light.

[0058] That is, in a conventional photocatalyst filter, the irradiation unit that irradiates light on the surface of the photocatalyst carrier needs to be provided in a number sufficient to simultaneously irradiate the entire surface according to the size of the surface. However, in the present invention, since the photocatalyst carrier 3 composed of the impeller 4 rotates, when the blade plate portion 41 and the shaft portion 40 approach the installation portion of the light irradiation unit 5, light is sequentially irradiated from the light irradiation unit 5 onto the surface. Therefore, it is possible to uniformly irradiate the entire surface of all the blade plate portions 41 with light by providing only one or two light irradiation units 5.

[0059] The irradiation direction of the light irradiation unit 5 is set to irradiate light from the predetermined position toward the shaft portion 40 of the impeller 4, but light may be irradiated in an oblique direction deviated from the shaft portion 40. It may be irradiated from an obliquely upward or downward direction. However, as described above, in order to uniformly irradiate the entire surface of all the blade plate portions 41, that is, both the upper surface of the blade plate portion 41 located on the upstream side in the fluid passage direction and the lower surface of the blade plate portion 41 located on the downstream side in the fluid passage direction, it is preferable to irradiate light in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft portion 40.

[0060] In this example, a plurality of impellers 4 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the filter thickness direction, and one or two or more light irradiation units 5 are provided for each impeller 4. Specifically, a total of 12 impellers 4, 3×4 in both the vertical and horizontal directions, are provided on the lattice-shaped frame 20. The shaft portions 40 of the impellers 4 are provided at substantially equal vertical / horizontal intervals at the intersection portions 21A of the lattice-shaped frame 20, and the light irradiation unit 5 is provided at the intersection portion 21B adjacent to the intersection portion 21A where each shaft portion 40 is provided in an oblique direction. In this example, as can be seen from FIG. 4, it is efficiently configured by providing two or more light irradiation units 5 corresponding to two or more different impellers 4 at one intersection portion 21B.

[0061] Note that the number and arrangement of the impellers 4 are not limited to the form of this example. For example, as shown in the second embodiment described later, it may be a photocatalyst filter provided with only one impeller 4, or when two or more are provided, in addition to the 3×4 arrangement, it may be arranged in only one row or other arrangements, for example, randomly.

[0062] On the outer peripheral side of each impeller 4, a metal reflection member 6 is provided which extends in the circumferential direction of the impeller 4 and has an inner peripheral surface 60 facing the impeller 4 and reflecting light. The reflection surface 60 is composed of, for example, a surface obtained by processing the metal material surface of the inner peripheral surface of the reflection member 6 as it is or into a mirror surface, a mirror sheet attached to the inner peripheral surface, or a reflection material applied.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the reflection member 6 has a shape with an inner peripheral surface (60) that is substantially C-shaped in cross-section and is curved inward on the inner peripheral side so as to cover the tip of the blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4. It is configured such that the light from the light irradiation unit 5 can be efficiently irradiated onto the entire surface of the blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4, and light leakage from the fluid inlets and outlets above and below the unit can also be prevented. In the case of the substantially C-shaped configuration, the inner peripheral surface is an arc shape in cross-section in this example, but various shapes such as a polygonal shape or a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface can be adopted.

[0064] The reflecting member 6 is annularly provided so as to cover the impeller 4 over substantially the entire circumference. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is configured by combining two split members that cover substantially a half circumference. By covering the impeller 4 over substantially the entire circumference in this way, the light from the light irradiation unit 5 can be irradiated more efficiently and overall onto the surface of the blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be interrupted or provided intermittently.

[0065] The light irradiation unit 5 is arranged in a state of being substantially in close contact with the outer peripheral surface side of the reflecting member 6 as shown in FIG. 5B, and is configured to illuminate the impeller 4 by penetrating only the light emitting element 51 to the inner peripheral surface (60) side. Instead of penetrating, the reflecting member 6 may be configured to be interrupted in the middle and the light irradiation unit 5 may be attached to the interrupted position. Also, the light irradiation unit may be provided at an inner position of the reflecting member.

[0066] The photocatalytic unit 1 according to the present invention uses the impeller 4 that rotates under the pressure from the fluid as a photocatalyst carrier, and by applying light from the light irradiation unit 5 thereto, light is uniformly and efficiently applied to the entire rotating blade plate portion 41, and the photocatalytic fluid purification action can be efficiently obtained. As an example of the usage form, as shown in FIG. 8, it can be made to function by being installed along a fluid passage 10 through which the fluid is forcibly circulated by an electric fan 7 or the like in a ventilation duct 8 or the like that ventilates a building. However, it is not limited to being provided in an environment where the fluid is forcibly circulated in this way, and of course, it can also be provided and made to function in an environment where the fluid naturally circulates.

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in the above example, for the impeller, an example in which it is composed of a shaft portion that rotates about an axis extending in the thickness direction and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion and having the photocatalyst supported on the surface (an example of a so-called "horizontal axis type" impeller in which the axis is set parallel to the direction of fluid flow) was described. However, as shown in FIG. 9, a shaft portion 40A that rotates about an axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction and a plurality of blade plate portions 41A that rotate about this may be used (a so-called "vertical axis type" impeller in which the axis is set in a direction orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow). Needless to say, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. (Second Embodiment)

[0068] FIGS. 10 to 12 show a photocatalyst unit 12 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This photocatalyst unit 12 includes a support frame 24 formed in a flat box shape and a single photocatalyst carrier 3 composed of a propeller fan-like impeller 4 disposed within the support frame 24. The support frame 24 includes an upper surface plate 27 and a lower surface plate 28 each provided with an opening 25 through which fluid flows and a lattice-like portion 26 provided with a rolling bearing 42 that rotatably supports the impeller 4, and a connecting member 29 that connects these upper surface plate 27 and lower surface plate 28 to each other.

[0069] The support frame 24 is provided with a fluid passage 10 having a fluid introduction portion 10a that introduces fluid into the support frame 24 from the opening 25 of the upper surface plate 27 and a fluid discharge portion 10b that discharges fluid from the support frame 24 from the opening 25 of the lower surface plate 28. Further, the photocatalyst unit 12 is provided with a light irradiation portion 5 that irradiates light composed of ultraviolet rays or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier 3 on which the photocatalyst is supported, specifically, the surfaces of the shaft portion 40 and the blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4, and a reflecting member 6 that extends in the circumferential direction of the impeller 4 and has an inner circumferential surface facing the impeller 4 as a reflecting surface for reflecting light.

[0070] Then, with the light of the light irradiation unit 5 irradiated from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4 toward the rotating blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4, preferably toward the shaft portion 40 in a direction perpendicular to its axis, the fluid passing through the fluid passage 10 is brought into contact with the photocatalyst supported on the surface of the blade plate portion 41 or the like, so that harmful substances, malodors, etc. in the fluid can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst.

[0071] The photocatalyst unit 12 according to the second embodiment can be made to function, for example, by being provided inside a ventilation duct through which fluid circulates forcibly, or in an environment where fluid circulates naturally. Moreover, in the photocatalyst unit 12 of the second embodiment, compared with the photocatalyst unit 1 according to the first embodiment in which a plurality of impellers 4 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the frame, it is unitized in a more compact unit, and a plurality of units can be freely combined vertically / horizontally according to the required fluid flow rate, flow path size, form of the installation location, etc. to efficiently configure various forms of devices. Also, even when the amount of fluid passing through the fluid passage 10 is small, the impeller 4 can be rotated smoothly.

[0072] For example, Fig. 13 shows a desktop type air purifier in which the photocatalytic unit 12 shown in Figs. 10 to 12 is arranged in a coaxial form with its shaft portion 40 aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical case 17 inside the cylindrical case 17, and a small electric fan 70 is also installed coaxially below the photocatalytic unit 12. According to this air purifier, the fluid introduced into the cylindrical case 17 from the opening 18 provided below the cylindrical case 17 according to the suction force of the electric fan 70 is passed through the installation portion of the photocatalytic unit 12 and led out of the cylindrical case 17 from the opening 19 provided above the cylindrical case 17, so that harmful substances, bad odors, etc. in the fluid can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst carried on the impeller 4 in an extremely compact configuration. In this example, the electric fan 70 for taking in air into the case is provided at the lower end of the case, but it can also be provided at the upper end or an intermediate position. Also, the positions of air introduction and exhaust are not limited to those introduced from below and exhausted from above as in this example. Inside the cylindrical case 17, four support portions 171 for fixing the position of the photocatalytic unit 12 are provided parallel to the axis, which are inserted into the insertion holes 240 provided at the four corners of the photocatalytic unit 12. In this example, only one photocatalytic unit 12 is provided, but in this example, by inserting the insertion holes 240 into the support portion 171 in the same way, two or more photocatalytic units 12 can also be arranged in combination in the axial direction. (Third Embodiment)

[0073] FIG. 14 shows a photocatalyst unit 13 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This photocatalyst unit 13 has an armature core 90 that rotates integrally with a shaft portion 40 of an impeller 4 constituting a photocatalyst carrier 3, and a field winding 91 disposed on the outer peripheral side thereof. A generator 9 that generates electricity in accordance with the rotation of the impeller 4 is provided. The electric power generated by this generator 9 is supplied to the light irradiation unit 5 via a conducting wire 92, so that light composed of ultraviolet rays or visible light is irradiated from this light irradiation unit 5 toward the axis of the impeller 4 or the like. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to supply electric power to the light irradiation unit 5 from a separate power source or the like provided at a distant position, the photocatalyst unit 13 can be made simpler, the installation work becomes significantly easier, and the range of applications is dramatically improved. Further, in a system in which light is irradiated with the electric power generated by such a generator 9, when the rotation of the shaft portion 40 becomes faster and the flow rate of the passing fluid increases, the generated electric power by the generator 9 also increases, and light can be irradiated with a stronger illuminance, resulting in a very efficient system. (Fourth Embodiment)

[0074] FIG. 15 shows a photocatalyst unit 14 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This photocatalyst unit 14 has a cylindrical frame 30 extending in a direction along the axis of the impeller 4, and a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of impellers 4 arranged on a single shaft portion 44 extending in the length direction of the cylindrical frame 30. And from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion 41 of the impeller 4, toward the rotating blade plate portion 41, preferably toward the shaft portion 44, a light irradiation unit 5 that irradiates light in a direction perpendicular to its axis is provided for each impeller 4, one or two or more. Further, a reflecting member 80 extending in the length direction along the inner peripheral surface is disposed in the cylindrical frame 30. Furthermore, a generator (not shown) that generates electricity in accordance with the rotation of the impeller 4 and supplies the electric power to the light irradiation unit 5 is provided on the shaft portion 44 of the impeller 4 as necessary.

[0075] According to this configuration, even when the amount of fluid passing through the fluid passage composed of, for example, the fluid introduction part 10a and the fluid discharge part 10b is large, or when its flow velocity is high, etc., without increasing the installation area of the photocatalyst unit 14 in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the impeller 4, the contact opportunity between the fluid and the photocatalyst carrier 3 is increased, and there is an advantage that a sufficient purification effect can be obtained.

[0076] Although the example of the cylindrical case housing form shown in FIG. 13 has already been described, as shown in FIG. 15, instead of the above-described embodiment in which a plurality of impellers 4 are arranged on a single shaft portion 44 extending in the length direction of the cylindrical frame 30, as shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of photocatalyst units 12 (see the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11) in which a photocatalyst carrier 3 composed of a single impeller 4 is disposed in a flat box-shaped support frame 24 may be arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction of the impeller 4. Also in this configuration, the contact opportunity between the fluid and the photocatalyst carrier 3 can be increased without increasing the installation area of the photocatalyst unit 12 in the direction orthogonal to the fluid passage direction. Further, in the example of FIG. 15, a plurality of impellers 4 are fixed to a single shaft portion 44, and the plurality of impellers 4 are integrally rotated through the shaft portion 44, but a part or all of the plurality of impellers 4 may be supported so as to be rotatable independently of the shaft portion 44 and configured to rotate independently. (Fifth Embodiment)

[0077] FIGS. 17 to 19 show a photocatalyst unit 15 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This photocatalyst unit 15 has a blower fan-like impeller 4A having a shaft portion 45 that is the rotation center of the photocatalyst carrier 3 and a plurality of blade plate portions 46 provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft portion 45 and having a photocatalyst supported on the surface, and is disposed in a flat box-shaped frame 31. Further, the photocatalyst unit 15 includes a light irradiation unit 5 that irradiates light in a direction perpendicular to the axis thereof, preferably toward the shaft portion 45, from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion 46 of the impeller 4A toward the rotating blade plate portion 41, and a reflecting member 81 that extends in the circumferential direction of the impeller 4A and has an inner peripheral surface facing the impeller 4A as a reflecting surface for reflecting light.

[0078] The box-shaped frame 31 is provided with a fluid passage 10 having a fluid introduction portion 10a for introducing fluid from the opening 32 formed on its upper surface in a direction along the axis of the impeller 4A, and a fluid discharge portion 10b for discharging fluid from the opening 33 formed on the side surface of the box-shaped frame 31 in a direction orthogonal to the axis. The impeller 4A has substantially the same shape as the blades of a blower fan (also called a turbo fan) that discharges fluid in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis by centrifugal force, and rotates by receiving the pressure of the fluid introduced in the axial direction of the impeller 4A from the fluid introduction portion 10a, thereby discharging the fluid in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the impeller 4A through the fluid discharge portion 10b.

[0079] According to this configuration, with light being irradiated from the light irradiation unit 5 toward the rotating vane plate portion 41, by bringing the fluid passing through the fluid passage 10 into contact with the photocatalyst supported on the surface of the vane plate portion 46 or the like, harmful substances, malodors, etc. in the fluid can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst. Moreover, since the flow direction of the fluid passing through the fluid passage changes in the above-described orthogonal direction, and the fluid temporarily stays between the rotating vane plate portions 41, the opportunity for contact between the fluid and the surface of the vane plate portion 41 supporting the photocatalyst increases, and the above-described catalytic action can be enhanced. Further, since the fluid discharge portion is provided in a direction orthogonal to the fluid introduction portion as described above, the design variations can be increased. Also in the photocatalyst unit 15 according to this fifth embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which a generator that generates electricity in response to the rotation of the impeller 4A and supplies the electric power to the light irradiation unit 4 is provided.

[0080] In the photocatalyst unit 15 according to the fifth embodiment, the introduction direction of the fluid introduced through the fluid introduction section 10a is set to the direction along the axis of the impeller 4A, and the discharge direction of the fluid discharged through the fluid discharge section 10b is set to the direction perpendicular to the axis of the impeller 4A, but it is also possible to reverse the flow of the fluid. That is, as shown in FIG. 20, it is also possible to configure the fluid passage 10 by the fluid introduction section 10a that introduces the fluid from the opening 33 formed on the side of the box-shaped frame 31 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the impeller 4A, and the fluid discharge section 10b that discharges the fluid from the opening 32 formed on the upper surface of the box-shaped frame 31 in the direction along the axis of the impeller 4A. Then, by rotating the impeller 4A in the opposite direction to the above case, the fluid introduced from the side opening 33 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the impeller 4A may be discharged from the upper opening 32 in the direction along the axis of the impeller 4A. Sixth embodiment

[0081] 21 to 23 show a photocatalyst unit 16 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this photocatalyst unit 16, two photocatalyst carriers 3 each consisting of a cross-flow fan-like impeller 4B are arranged in a box-shaped frame 34. The impeller 4B has a shape almost similar to that of an impeller of a cross-flow fan (also called a cross-flow fan) that discharges a fluid so as to cross a shaft portion 47 by centrifugal force. Specifically, the impeller 4B has a shaft portion 47 that is the center of rotation, a pair of end plates 48 fixed to the shaft portion 47, and a plurality of vane plate portions 49 that are provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 47 with side ends fixed to both end plates 48 and carry a photocatalyst. And, even if the wind pressure of the fluid flowing in a direction perpendicular to its axis is weak, the impeller 4B rotates in response to this, and has the function of directing the fluid toward the downstream side in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the impeller 4B.

[0082] In addition, in the box-shaped frame 31, three electric fans 71 are installed so as to face the openings 35 formed on the front surface thereof, respectively, and a plurality of light irradiation units 5 that irradiate light toward the rotating blade plate portions 49 from predetermined positions on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portions 49 of each impeller 4B are arranged. Further, inside the box-shaped frame 34, a fluid introduction portion 10a that introduces fluid from the opening 35 in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the impeller 4B according to the blowing action of the electric fan 71, and a fluid discharge portion 10b that discharges the fluid to the downstream side in the direction orthogonal to the axis from the opening 36 formed on the rear surface of the box-shaped frame 31 are provided, and a fluid passage 10 is provided.

[0083] According to this configuration, with the light being irradiated from the light irradiation unit 5 toward the rotating blade plate portion 41, by bringing the fluid passing through the fluid passage 10 into contact with the photocatalyst carried on the surface of the blade plate portion 49 or the like, harmful substances, malodors, etc. in the fluid can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst. Also, the time during which the fluid temporarily stays between the rotating blade plate portions 49 can be made longer than that of the blower fan-like object, the contact opportunity between the fluid and the surface of the blade plate portion 49 carrying the photocatalyst is further increased, and the above catalytic action can be enhanced. Further, since the dimension in the axial direction of the blade plate portion 49 can be freely set, the fluid passage 10 can be made large in the axial direction, and even when the wind pressure of the fluid passing through the fluid passage 10 is weak, the impeller 4B can be effectively rotated, and it can be efficiently installed in a relatively large flow path, and it is also easy to keep the flow resistance lower.

[0084] Note that, also in the photocatalyst unit 16 according to the sixth embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which a generator that generates electricity according to the rotation of the impeller 4B and supplies the electric power to the light irradiation unit 5 is provided. Further, the number of the photocatalyst carriers 3 each including a cross-flow fan-like impeller 4B arranged inside the box-shaped frame 34 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more.

[0085] Next, an embodiment of the mask according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 24. The mask 72 according to this embodiment is a sanitary mask such as a cloth mask or a non-woven fabric mask in which a photocatalyst unit 12 (see FIGS. 10 to 12) according to a second embodiment including a photocatalyst carrier 3 composed of a propeller fan-like impeller 4 is disposed in an air passage portion 11 generated according to the breathing of the mask wearer, specifically, a portion located on the front side of the nose and mouth of the mask wearer. The photocatalyst unit 12 is provided with a filter 73 that covers the front side portion thereof and a schematic light irradiation unit that irradiates light to the blade plate portion of the impeller 4. Further, the mask 72 is provided with a button battery that supplies power to the light irradiation unit, a jack that takes in an external power source, or a generator that supplies power generated according to the rotation of the impeller 4 to the light irradiation unit.

[0086] When the wearer of the mask 72 inhales, air is introduced from the air introduction part 11a on the front side of the mask into the installation part of the photocatalyst unit 12, and the impeller 4 rotates. On the other hand, when the wearer of the mask 72 exhales, air is introduced from the air introduction part 11a' on the rear side of the mask into the installation part of the photocatalyst unit 12, and the impeller 4 rotates. Then, in a state where light is irradiated from the light irradiation part to the blade plate part of the impeller 4, by bringing air into contact with the photocatalyst supported on its surface, harmful components, malodorous components, etc. in the air can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst, and viruses, etc. in the air can be inactivated. After that, when the wearer of the mask 72 inhales, since air is led out from the air outlet part 11b on the rear side of the mask, it is possible to prevent viruses, etc. from entering from the mouth, etc. of the mask wearer. On the other hand, when the wearer of the mask 72 exhales, since air is led out from the air outlet part 11b' on the front side of the mask, it is possible to prevent viruses, etc. from diffusing into the atmosphere. In this example, an example in which a photocatalyst unit is assembled to a sanitary mask made of cloth or non-woven fabric, etc. as a whole is shown, but the mask of the present invention is not limited to this at all, and a filter unit is replaceably assembled to a main body part made of synthetic rubber or synthetic resin, and the photocatalyst unit according to the present invention is incorporated into the filter unit part of a dust-proof mask, or a preferred embodiment is also one in which the same photocatalyst unit and a filtration filter are attached instead of the filter unit part.

[0087] In addition, instead of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, in a mask 74 for preventing droplet infection composed of a so-called face shield formed of a transparent plastic plate or the like, on the back side thereof, for example, the photocatalyst unit 15 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 may be disposed in the air passage part 11 generated according to the breathing of the mask wearer. Then, when the mask wearer inhales, air may be introduced from the air introduction part 11a located, for example, below the photocatalyst unit 15, and when the mask wearer exhales, air may be led out from the air outlet part 11b' located, for example, below the photocatalyst unit 15. A mask using a mouth shield instead of the face shield may also be used.

[0088] Then, with light being irradiated from a light irradiation unit (not shown) toward the rotating blade plate unit, air is brought into contact with the photocatalyst supported on its surface, so that harmful substances, malodors, etc. in this air can be efficiently decomposed and removed by the catalytic action of the photocatalyst, and viruses, etc. can be effectively inactivated. Thereafter, by discharging air from the air discharge part 11b on the rear side of the mask or the air discharge part 11b' below the mask, it is possible to effectively prevent viruses, etc. from entering the human body or diffusing into the air.

[0089] Furthermore, a photocatalyst unit shown in FIG. 17 etc. is disposed in the air passage part of a sanitary mask made of a cloth mask, a non-woven fabric mask, etc. When the mask wearer inhales, air is introduced from the air introduction part below the mask to the installation part of the photocatalyst unit, and when the mask wearer exhales, air is introduced from the air introduction part on the rear side of the mask to the installation part of the photocatalyst unit, and it may be configured to rotate the impeller provided inside thereof.

[0090] As described above, each embodiment of the present invention has been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples at all, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in each embodiment, it is also a preferable example that the support structure of the shaft of the impeller is made into a detachable structure to improve maintainability such as cleaning dirt adhering to the blade plate part and its surroundings.

Explanation of Signs

[0091] 1, 1A, 12 - 17 Photocatalyst unit 2 Photocatalyst filter 3 Photocatalyst carrier 4, 4A, 4B Impeller 5 Light irradiation unit 6, 80, 81 Reflective member 7, 70, 71 Electric fan 8 Ventilation duct 9 Generator 10 Fluid passage 10a Fluid introduction part 10b Fluid discharge part 11 Air passage part 11a Air introduction part 11b Air discharge part 20 Lattice frame 21A Intersection part 21B Intersection part 21C Upright piece 22 Frame body 23 Upper cover 30 Cylindrical frame 40, 40A, 44, 45, 47 Shaft parts 41, 41A, 46, 49 Blade plate parts 42 Bearing 50 Substrate 51 Light emitting element 60 Reflective surface 72, 74 Mask 220, 221, 222, 223 Side plate parts

Claims

**Claim 1**: A photocatalyst filter having a fluid passage through which a fluid passes and having a photocatalyst carrier in the fluid passage, on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported in contact with the fluid, and a photocatalyst unit provided inside the photocatalyst filter and including a light irradiation unit that irradiates light of ultraviolet rays or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier on which the photocatalyst is supported, wherein the photocatalyst carrier is a impeller that has a plurality of blade plate portions on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported, and the plurality of blade plate portions are not driven by a motor but rotate about an axis with the fluid pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage as a driving force, the light irradiation unit is provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate portions of the impeller with the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portions of the impeller, the photocatalyst carrier is a propeller fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion, on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported, the fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion that introduces the fluid from a direction along the axis and a fluid discharge portion that discharges the fluid toward the downstream side in the direction along the axis, the light irradiation unit is provided only one or two with respect to the impeller, a photocatalyst unit. **Claim 2**: A photocatalyst filter having a fluid passage through which a fluid passes and having a photocatalyst carrier in the fluid passage, on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported in contact with the fluid, and a photocatalyst unit provided inside the photocatalyst filter and including a light irradiation unit that irradiates light of ultraviolet rays or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier on which the photocatalyst is supported, wherein the photocatalyst carrier is a impeller that has a plurality of blade plate portions on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported, and the plurality of blade plate portions are not driven by a motor but rotate about an axis with the fluid pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage as a driving force, the light irradiation unit is provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate portions of the impeller with the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portions of the impeller, the photocatalyst carrier is a blower fan-like impeller having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft portion, on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported, The fluid passage has a fluid introduction part for introducing the fluid from one side in the direction along the axis or in the direction orthogonal to the axis, and a fluid discharge part for discharging the fluid toward the other side in the direction along the axis or in the direction orthogonal to the axis. The light irradiation part is provided only one with respect to the impeller. Photocatalyst unit. **Claim 3**: A photocatalyst filter having a fluid passage through which a fluid passes, and having a photocatalyst carrier in the fluid passage, on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported in contact with the fluid, A photocatalyst unit including a light irradiation part provided inside the photocatalyst filter and irradiating ultraviolet or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier on which the photocatalyst is supported. The photocatalyst carrier has a plurality of blade plate parts on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported, and these plurality of blade plate parts are not driven by a motor but are an impeller that rotates about an axis with the fluid pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage as a driving force. The light irradiation part is provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate part of the impeller with the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate part of the impeller. The photocatalyst carrier is a propeller fan-like impeller having a shaft part that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plate parts provided on the outer peripheral part of the shaft part, on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported. The fluid passage has a fluid introduction part for introducing the fluid from the direction along the axis and a fluid discharge part for discharging the fluid toward the downstream side in the direction along the axis. On the outer peripheral side of the impeller, a reflecting member is provided that extends in the circumferential direction of the impeller and has an inner peripheral surface facing the impeller as a reflecting surface for reflecting light. The light irradiation part is arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the reflecting member and is configured to penetrate only the inner peripheral surface side of the light emitting element to illuminate the impeller. Photocatalyst unit. **Claim 4**: A photocatalyst filter having a fluid passage through which a fluid passes, and having a photocatalyst carrier in the fluid passage, on the surface of which the photocatalyst is supported in contact with the fluid, A photocatalyst unit including a light irradiation part provided inside the photocatalyst filter and irradiating ultraviolet or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier on which the photocatalyst is supported. The photocatalyst carrier has a plurality of blade plate portions on which the photocatalyst is carried on the surface, and these plurality of blade plate portions are not driven by a motor but are impeller blades that rotate about the axis with the fluid pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage as the driving force, The light irradiation unit is provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate portion of the impeller blade with the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion of the impeller blade, The photocatalyst carrier is a blower fan-like impeller blade having a shaft portion that rotates about the axis and a plurality of blade plate portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft portion and having the photocatalyst carried on the surface, The fluid passage has a fluid introduction portion that introduces the fluid from one side in the direction along the axis or in the direction orthogonal to the axis, and a fluid discharge portion that discharges the fluid toward the other side in the direction along the axis or in the direction orthogonal to the axis, On the outer peripheral side of the impeller blade, a reflecting member that extends in the circumferential direction of the impeller blade and has an inner peripheral surface facing the impeller blade as a reflecting surface for reflecting light is provided, The light irradiation unit is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the reflecting member and is configured to penetrate only the inner peripheral surface side of the light emitting element to irradiate the impeller blade, Photocatalyst unit. **Claim 5**: A photocatalyst filter having a fluid passage through which a fluid passes, and in the fluid passage, having a photocatalyst carrier in which a photocatalyst is carried on a surface in contact with the fluid, A photocatalyst unit provided inside the photocatalyst filter and including a light irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier on which the photocatalyst is carried, The photocatalyst carrier has a plurality of blade plate portions on which the photocatalyst is carried on the surface, and these plurality of blade plate portions are not driven by a motor but are impeller blades that rotate about the axis with the fluid pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage as the driving force, The light irradiation unit is provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate portion of the impeller blade with the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion of the impeller blade, The photocatalyst filter is formed in a flat box shape having a thickness smaller than the sizes of the upper and lower surfaces, and has a frame provided with the fluid passage inside thereof and a plurality of the impeller blades arranged in parallel in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the frame, One or two or more of the light irradiation units are provided for each of the impeller blades, The frame is a lattice-shaped frame provided with gaps through which the fluid passes on the upper and lower surfaces, The impeller is rotatably erected at a predetermined intersection provided on the lattice frame, and the light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the blade plate portion of the impeller is attached to another intersection around the intersection. Photocatalyst unit. **Claim 6** A photocatalyst filter having a fluid passage through which a fluid passes, and in the fluid passage, having a photocatalyst carrier on which a photocatalyst is supported on a surface in contact with the fluid, and a light irradiation unit provided inside the photocatalyst filter for irradiating ultraviolet or visible light toward the surface of the photocatalyst carrier on which the photocatalyst is supported. The photocatalyst carrier has a plurality of blade plate portions on which the photocatalyst is supported on the surface, and these plurality of blade plate portions are not driven by a motor but are impellers that rotate about an axis with the fluid pressure from the fluid passing through the fluid passage as a driving force. The light irradiation unit includes a photocatalyst unit provided so as to irradiate the rotating blade plate portion of the impeller with the light from a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side of the blade plate portion of the impeller. The photocatalyst unit is disposed in an air passage portion generated in response to the breathing of the mask wearer. Mask.

Images