Whole building air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a whole building air conditioning system capable of suppressing germs and viruses dispersing in a building.SOLUTION: A whole building air conditioning system 30 includes an indoor unit 32 for generating air-conditioning air and for supplying the air-conditioning air to each room. The air-conditioning air supplied to each room refluxes to the indoor unit 32 as return air, and the return air is taken into the indoor unit 32 from an intake port 37 formed in the indoor unit 32. Then, the indoor unit 32 generates air-conditioning air using the return air. At the indoor unit 32, a cover member 51 is provided so as to cover the intake port 37. The cover member 51 is formed in a substantially box-like shape, and the return air is taken in from the intake port 37 through an inside space 57. At the inside space 57 of the cover member 51, two air filters 61, 62 are provided so as to prevent foreign objects such as dust from entering the inside of the indoor unit 32 from the intake port 37. Out of these air filters 61, 62, at the air filter 62 on the downstream side, a photocatalyst 71 is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a central air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] In buildings such as houses, there is known a central air conditioning system that uses a common air conditioning device to condition multiple rooms (for example, Patent Document 1). In a central air conditioning system, the air conditioning device generates conditioned air and supplies the conditioned air to each room via ducts to condition each room.

[0003] In a central air conditioning system, the conditioned air supplied to each room is returned to the air conditioning unit through the building. The air conditioning unit then takes in the returned air (return air) and generates conditioned air from the returned air. Therefore, a central air conditioning system circulates conditioned air within the building while conditioning each room. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-085328 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since a central air conditioning system circulates air within the building to condition each room, if bacteria or viruses are present in the air, there is a risk that the bacteria or viruses will spread to each room.

[0006] Furthermore, if bacteria or viruses are taken into the air conditioner, there is a risk that the bacteria or viruses will adhere to the inside of the air conditioner, and in that case, there is a risk that the bacteria or viruses will spread from the adhered bacteria or viruses.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its main object to provide a central air-conditioning system that can suppress the spread of bacteria and viruses within a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the whole-building air conditioning system of the first invention comprises an air conditioning device that generates conditioned air and supplies the generated conditioned air to multiple indoor spaces within a building, and the conditioned air supplied to the multiple indoor spaces is returned to the air conditioning device as return air, and the air conditioning device has an intake port that takes in the return air, and the whole-building air conditioning system generates conditioned air from the return air taken in through the intake port, and comprises an air filter that prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the air conditioning device through the intake port, and a photocatalyst provided on the air filter.

[0009] In a central air-conditioning system, an air conditioner generates conditioned air from return air taken in through its intake port. Furthermore, a central air-conditioning system is provided with an air filter to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the air conditioner through the intake port. Therefore, the first invention focuses on this air filter and provides a photocatalyst to the air filter. With this configuration, light is irradiated onto the photocatalyst to cause photocatalytic action, thereby removing bacteria and viruses contained in the return air passing through the air filter. This prevents bacteria and viruses from being taken into the air conditioner through the intake port, thereby preventing the air conditioner from spreading bacteria and viruses throughout the building.

[0010] The whole-building air conditioning system of the second invention is the same as that of the first invention, and is provided with a passage forming section that forms a return air passage through which the return air flows toward the intake port, and the return air passage is provided with a first air filter provided with the photocatalyst and a second air filter not provided with the photocatalyst as the air filters, and the second air filter is arranged upstream of the first air filter.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a first air filter provided with a photocatalyst and a second air filter not provided with a photocatalyst are provided in a return air passage formed in a passage forming portion. The second air filter is disposed upstream of the first air filter. In this case, foreign matter such as dust is captured by the upstream second air filter, thereby preventing foreign matter from adhering to the downstream first air filter. This makes it possible to selectively use the second air filter for capturing foreign matter and the first air filter for sterilization to remove bacteria and viruses.

[0012] In this configuration, the second air filter, which is prone to collecting foreign matter, needs to be washed with water or other cleaning methods more frequently, but because the second air filter is not provided with a photocatalyst, frequent cleaning does not pose any particular problems. In contrast, the first air filter, which is less prone to collecting foreign matter, can be washed with water or other cleaning methods less frequently. This prevents the photocatalyst from being removed from the first air filter by cleaning, which would otherwise reduce the sterilization effect.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention is the central air-conditioning system of the second aspect, wherein the first air filter has a coarser mesh than the second air filter.

[0014] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first air filter has a coarser mesh than the second air filter, which further reduces adhesion of foreign matter to the first air filter, thereby reducing the frequency of cleaning the first air filter and further reducing the deterioration of the sterilization effect that accompanies cleaning.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to the central air-conditioning system of the second aspect, wherein the first air filter and the second air filter are arranged so as to overlap each other.

[0016] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first air filter and the second air filter are arranged so as to overlap each other, so that the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst generated in the first air filter can be applied to the second air filter as well, thereby making it possible to remove bacteria and viruses adhering to the second air filter as well, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0017] The whole-building air conditioning system of the fifth invention is any of the second to fourth inventions, in which a frame-shaped support portion is provided in the return air passage and has a plurality of light sources that irradiate the photocatalyst with light, and the support portion is positioned opposite the first air filter.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a frame-shaped support member having a plurality of light sources for irradiating the photocatalyst with light is provided in the return air passage, and the support member is disposed opposite the first air filter. In this case, when the photocatalyst is provided over a wide area of the first air filter (for example, the entire filter surface), it is possible to easily irradiate the entire photocatalyst with light. This improves the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst. Furthermore, because the support member is formed in a frame shape, the above-mentioned effect can be achieved while preventing the support member from interfering with the flow of return air. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the first floor of a building in which a central air-conditioning system according to a first embodiment is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit and its surroundings. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air intake and its surroundings of the indoor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the second floor and roof of a building in which a central air-conditioning system according to a second embodiment is installed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the suction chamber and the components provided therein in an exploded state. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the suction chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (First embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, a building 10, such as a house, is provided above a foundation 11. The building 10 has a first floor 12. The first floor 12 has a plurality of rooms 14-17. Of these rooms 14-17, rooms 14-16 are, for example, a living room, a dining room, a Japanese-style room, a bedroom, etc. Room 17 is a machine room in which an indoor unit 32 of a central air-conditioning system 30, which will be described later, is installed, and will hereinafter also be referred to as machine room 17. The rooms 14-17 are separated from one another by partition walls 18. Adjacent rooms 14-17 can be constantly ventilated through vents 19 and the like provided in the partition walls 18.

[0021] A floor section 21 is provided on the first floor section 12, and this floor section 21 forms the floor surfaces of the rooms 14 to 17. An underfloor space 22 is provided below the floor section 21. The underfloor space 22 is separated from the rooms 14 to 17 by the floor section 21 above and below. The underfloor space 22 is surrounded by the foundation 11.

[0022] The building 10 is provided with a central air-conditioning system 30 that performs air-conditioning on the rooms 14 to 16 (corresponding to indoor spaces) on the first floor 12. The configuration of the central air-conditioning system 30 will be described below.

[0023] The central air conditioning system 30 is a heat pump type air conditioning system capable of at least cooling and heating operations. The central air conditioning system 30 has an indoor unit 32 installed indoors and an outdoor unit 33 installed outdoors. The indoor unit 32 and the outdoor unit 33 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 34, which is shown by a dotted line in Figure 1 for convenience. The indoor unit 32 corresponds to the air conditioning device.

[0024] The indoor unit 32 is provided in the machine room 17. The indoor unit 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an air intake 37 is provided on a side portion 32a thereof (see FIG. 2). The indoor unit 32 takes in air (return air RA) from within the machine room 17 through the air intake 37 and adjusts the temperature of the taken-in air to generate conditioned air (cool air and warm air).

[0025] The indoor unit 32 is connected to an air conditioning chamber 41 installed in the underfloor space 22. A plurality of air conditioning ducts 42 are connected to the air conditioning chamber 41. Each of these air conditioning ducts 42 is disposed in the underfloor space 22 and connected to an air outlet 43 provided in the floor portion 21. Each air outlet 43 is provided in each of the rooms 14 to 16 on the first floor portion 12.

[0026] The conditioned air (cold air or warm air) generated by the indoor unit 32 is supplied to each air outlet 43 through the air conditioning chamber 41 and each air conditioning duct 42, and is blown out from each air outlet 43 into each of the rooms 14 to 16. The conditioned air blown out performs air conditioning (cooling or heating) of each of the rooms 14 to 16.

[0027] In the first floor section 12 of the building 10, the conditioned air supplied to each of the rooms 14 to 16 returns (recirculates) as return air RA to the machine room 17 through the vents 19, etc. The indoor units 32 then take in the return air RA that has returned to the machine room 17 through the intakes 37 and generate conditioned air again from the taken-in return air RA. In this way, the central air conditioning system 30 is an air circulation type air conditioning system.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the vicinity of the intake port 37 of the indoor unit 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a cover member 51 is provided on the side surface 32a of the indoor unit 32 to cover the air inlet 37. The cover member 51 is formed in a generally box-like shape from a metal plate. The cover member 51 has a front plate 52 facing the air inlet 37 at a distance, a pair of side plate portions 53 extending from each side edge of the front plate 52 to the side surface 32a of the indoor unit 32, and a bottom plate portion 54 extending from the bottom edge of the front plate 52 to the side surface 32a of the indoor unit 32. An opening 55 opening upward is formed in the top surface of the cover member 51, and an opening 56 opening toward the indoor unit 32 is formed in the back surface of the cover member 51. The opening 56 is in communication with the air inlet 37.

[0030] The return air RA in the machine room 17 flows into the inner space 57 of the cover member 51 through the opening 55. The return air RA is then taken into the indoor unit 32 from the inner space 57 through the opening 56 and the inlet 37. Therefore, the return air RA in the machine room 17 is taken into the indoor unit 32 through the inner space 57 of the cover member 51. In this case, the inner space 57 corresponds to the return air passage through which the return air RA flows toward the inlet 37. The cover member 51 corresponds to the passage forming portion.

[0031] Two air filters 61, 62 are provided in the inner space 57 of the cover member 51. These air filters 61, 62 capture foreign matter such as dust contained in the return air RA flowing through the inner space 57. This prevents foreign matter from entering the indoor unit 32 through the air intake 37. Each air filter 61, 62 is made of nonwoven fabric and is, for example, a medium- to high-performance filter. Furthermore, each air filter 61, 62 has a rectangular shape and is the same size.

[0032] Each air filter 61, 62 is supported by a filter support portion 59 provided on the inner surface of each side plate portion 53 of the cover member 51. The filter support portion 59 extends vertically along the side plate portion 53, and more specifically, extends at an angle toward the indoor unit 32 as it extends upward. Each air filter 61, 62 is placed on the upper surface (more specifically, on the inclined surface) of each filter support portion 59, straddling both filter support portions 59. In this case, each air filter 61, 62 is placed on the filter support portion 59 in an overlapping state. As a result, each air filter 61, 62 is supported at an angle toward the indoor unit 32 (in other words, toward the air inlet 37). Furthermore, because each air filter 61, 62 is supported in this manner, each air filter 61, 62 is removable.

[0033] In the inner space 57 of the cover member 51, the return air RA passes through each air filter 61, 62 and flows to the inlet 37. Of the air filters 61, 62, air filter 61 is arranged on the upstream side, and air filter 62 is arranged on the downstream side. The upstream air filter 61 has a fine mesh of nonwoven fabric, while the downstream air filter 62 has a coarse mesh of nonwoven fabric. Therefore, most of the foreign matter in the return air RA is captured by the upstream air filter 61.

[0034] The downstream air filter 62 is provided with a photocatalyst 71. The photocatalyst 71 is supported on substantially the entire filter surface of the air filter 62. The photocatalyst 71 contains a photocatalytic activating substance such as titanium oxide (TiO2). The photocatalyst 71 is activated when irradiated with light, causing a photocatalytic action. This photocatalytic action removes bacteria and viruses contained in the return air RA as it passes through the air filter 62. In this embodiment, a visible light responsive photocatalyst that is activated by visible light is used as the photocatalyst 71. The photocatalyst 71 is made of, for example, V-CAT (registered trademark).

[0035] The downstream air filter 62 provided with the photocatalyst 71 corresponds to the first air filter. The upstream air filter 61 does not have a photocatalyst and therefore corresponds to the second air filter. In this configuration, the air filter 61 is primarily used for capturing foreign matter such as dust, and the air filter 62 is used for sterilization, removing bacteria and viruses contained in the return air RA after the foreign matter has been captured.

[0036] A light-emitting unit 73 is provided in the inner space 57 of the cover member 51, downstream of the air filter 62. The light-emitting unit 73 has a plurality of LEDs 74 and a rectangular frame-shaped base 75 to which each LED 74 is attached. Each LED 74 is a light source that irradiates light toward the photocatalyst 71 of the air filter 62, and in this embodiment, one that irradiates visible light is used. The base 75 corresponds to a support portion.

[0037] The base portion 75 is disposed in proximity to the air filter 62 and facing the air filter 62. The base portion 75 has an outer frame portion 76 and a plurality of inner frame portions 77 disposed within the outer frame portion 76. Each inner frame portion 77 extends laterally, with both ends connected to the outer frame portion 76. The inner frame portions 77 are disposed at equal intervals, and each inner frame portion 77 has a plurality of LEDs 74 (for example, three LEDs each) disposed therein. The plurality of LEDs 74 are disposed at equal intervals within the inner frame portion 77.

[0038] In the above configuration, in the inner space 57 of the cover member 51, the return air RA that has passed through each of the air filters 61, 62 flows downstream through the frame of the base portion 75 of the light-emitting unit 73. Then, it is taken into the indoor unit 32 through the inlet 37.

[0039] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0040] An air filter 62 is provided to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the indoor unit 32 through the air intake 37 of the indoor unit 32, and a photocatalyst 71 is provided on the air filter 62. With this configuration, light is irradiated onto the photocatalyst 71 to cause a photocatalytic action, thereby removing bacteria and viruses contained in the return air RA that passes through the air filter 62. This makes it possible to prevent bacteria and viruses from being taken into the indoor unit 32 through the air intake 37, and as a result, it is possible to prevent bacteria and viruses from being spread within the building 10 from the indoor unit 32.

[0041] Furthermore, if bacteria or viruses get into the indoor unit 32, there is a risk that the bacteria or viruses will adhere to the interior of the indoor unit 32. In this case, there is a risk that the bacteria or viruses will spread throughout the building 10 from the adhered bacteria or viruses. In this regard, the above-described configuration in which the photocatalyst 71 is provided in the air filter 62 can prevent bacteria or viruses from entering the indoor unit 32, thereby preventing bacteria or viruses from adhering to the interior of the indoor unit 32 and, ultimately, preventing the spread of bacteria or viruses that accompanies adhesion.

[0042] An air filter 62 provided with a photocatalyst 71 and an air filter 61 not provided with a photocatalyst are provided in the inner space 57 of the cover member 51, and the air filter 61 is arranged upstream of the air filter 62. In this case, foreign matter such as dust is captured by the upstream air filter 61, thereby preventing foreign matter from adhering to the downstream air filter 62. Therefore, it is possible to use the air filter 61 for capturing foreign matter and the air filter 62 for sterilization to remove bacteria and viruses, for example.

[0043] In this configuration, the upstream air filter 61, where foreign matter is likely to accumulate, is washed with water or the like more frequently, but because the air filter 61 is not provided with a photocatalyst, frequent washing does not pose any particular problems. In contrast, the downstream air filter 62, where foreign matter is less likely to adhere, can be washed with water or the like less frequently. This makes it possible to prevent the photocatalyst 71 from being removed from the air filter 62 by washing, thereby preventing a decrease in the sterilization effect.

[0044] Air filter 62 has coarser mesh than air filter 61, which further reduces the adhesion of foreign matter to air filter 62. This reduces the frequency of cleaning air filter 62, and as a result, further reduces the reduction in sterilization effect due to cleaning.

[0045] Since the air filters 61, 62 are arranged so as to overlap each other, the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst 71 produced in the air filter 62 can also be applied to the air filter 61. This makes it possible to remove bacteria and viruses adhering to the air filter 61, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0046] A plurality of LEDs 74 that irradiate light onto the photocatalyst 71 and a frame-shaped base portion 75 to which the LEDs 74 are attached are provided in the inner space 57 of the cover member 51, and the base portion 75 is disposed opposite the air filter 62. In this case, it is possible to make it easier to irradiate the entire photocatalyst 71 with light, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst 71. Furthermore, because the base portion 75 is formed in a frame shape, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained while preventing the base portion 75 from interfering with the flow of return air RA.

[0047] If the base portion 75 on which the LEDs 74 are provided is located upstream of the air filters 61, 62, the light emitted from the LEDs 74 may be blocked by the air filter 61, and the light may not be able to be properly directed onto the photocatalyst 71 on the air filter 62. In this case, the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst 71 may be reduced. In this regard, in the above embodiment, the base portion 75 on which the LEDs 74 are provided is located downstream of the air filter 62, so that the light can be properly directed onto the photocatalyst 71, and as a result, the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst 71 can be properly exhibited.

[0048] The cover member 51 has an inner space 57 surrounded by the front plate portion 52 and the pair of side plate portions 53, and each LED 74 is arranged in this inner space 57. This makes it possible to prevent light emitted from each LED 74 from leaking into the surrounding area.

[0049] The filter support portion 59 supports the air filters 61, 62 at an angle. Specifically, the air filters 61, 62 are supported so that they are oriented at an angle relative to the opening of the air inlet 37. In this case, the area of the air filter 62 can be increased, and therefore the photocatalyst 71 can be provided over a larger area. This enhances the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst 71.

[0050] The photocatalyst 71 is a visible light responsive photocatalyst, so that LEDs that emit visible light can be used as the LEDs 74. This allows users to perform maintenance on the air filters 61 and 62 with peace of mind.

[0051] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the building 10 has a second floor 81. The second floor 81 is provided with a plurality of living rooms 83, 84 and a hallway 85. The living rooms 83, 84 and the hallway 85 are separated by partition walls 86. Each partition wall 86 is provided with an air vent 89. The living rooms 83, 84 and the hallway 85 can be constantly ventilated through each air vent 89. A balcony 92 is provided next to the living room 83.

[0053] The building 10 has a roof portion 91 above the second floor portion 81. A ceiling portion 93 is also provided on the second floor portion 81. The ceiling portion 93 is constructed with a ceiling surface material, and the ceiling surface of the living rooms 83, 84 and the corridor 85 is formed by the ceiling portion 93. An attic space 95 of the roof portion 91 is formed above the ceiling portion 93. The attic space 95 is separated from the living rooms 83, 84 and the corridor 85 by the ceiling portion 93.

[0054] The building 10 is provided with a central air-conditioning system 100 that performs air conditioning on the living rooms 83, 84 (corresponding to indoor spaces) of the second floor section 81. The central air-conditioning system 100 will be described below.

[0055] Like the central air conditioning system 30 in the first floor section 12, the central air conditioning system 100 has an indoor unit 101 and an outdoor unit 102, and the indoor unit 101 and the outdoor unit 102 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 103. For convenience, the refrigerant pipe 103 is shown by a dotted line in Figure 4.

[0056] The indoor unit 101 is installed in the attic space 95. A plurality of air conditioning ducts 108 are connected to the indoor unit 101 via an air conditioning chamber 107. Each air conditioning duct 108 is arranged in the attic space 95 and connected to an air outlet 109 provided in the ceiling portion 93 of each of the living rooms 83, 84. The conditioned air generated by the indoor unit 101 is supplied to each air outlet 109 through each air conditioning duct 108, and is blown out from each air outlet 109 into each of the living rooms 83, 84. In this way, each of the living rooms 83, 84 is air-conditioned (cooled or heated).

[0057] The conditioned air (supply air SA) supplied to each of the rooms 83, 84 is returned to the corridor 85 as return air RA through each air vent 89. An intake chamber 111 that draws in the return air RA that has been returned to the corridor 85 is provided in the ceiling 93 of the corridor 85. A return air duct 112 is connected to the intake chamber 111. The return air duct 112 is disposed in the attic space 95 and connected to the side of the indoor unit 101. More specifically, an opening 113 is provided in the side of the indoor unit 101, and the return air duct 112 is connected to the opening 113.

[0058] In the above configuration, when return air RA in the corridor 85 is sucked in by the suction chamber 111, the return air RA is taken into the indoor unit 101 through the return air duct 112. In this case, the return air RA is taken into the indoor unit 101 from the return air duct 112 through an opening 113 of the indoor unit 101. Therefore, in this case, the opening 113 corresponds to an intake port, and the return air RA flows toward the opening 113 through the inside of the suction chamber 111 and the inside of the return air duct 112, so in this case, a return air passage is formed by the inside of the suction chamber 111 and the inside of the return air duct 112. Furthermore, the suction chamber 111 and the return air duct 112 form a passage forming section.

[0059] Next, the configuration of the suction chamber 111 and its surroundings will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. For the sake of convenience, the ceiling portion 93 is not shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0060] 5 and 6, the intake chamber 111 is provided with an accommodation recess 117 that opens downward, and a connection port 118 that is formed at the bottom of the accommodation recess 117 and to which the return air duct 112 is connected. An intake grill 119 is attached to the accommodation recess 117 so as to cover the opening. The intake grill 119 is formed with a lattice-shaped ventilation section.

[0061] An air filter 121 is attached to the upper surface of the suction grille 119. The air filter 121 is disposed in the accommodation recess 117 of the suction chamber 111. An air filter 122 is further provided above the air filter 121 in the accommodation recess 117. The air filter 122 is disposed so as to overlap the air filter 121. Each of these air filters 121, 122 serves to capture foreign matter such as dust contained in the return air RA drawn into the suction chamber 111 (in other words, the return air RA flowing within the suction chamber 111). In this case, of the air filters 121, 122, the air filter 121 is disposed on the upstream side (lower side), and the air filter 122 is disposed on the downstream side (upper side).

[0062] Of the air filters 121, 122, the downstream air filter 122 is provided with a photocatalyst 126. On the other hand, the upstream air filter 121 is not provided with a photocatalyst. Therefore, the air filter 122 corresponds to the first air filter, and the air filter 121 corresponds to the second air filter. In addition, the air filter 121 has coarser mesh than the air filter 122.

[0063] A light emitting unit 128 is provided above the air filter 122 in the accommodation recess 117 of the suction chamber 111. In this case, the light emitting unit 128 is disposed downstream of the air filter 122. The light emitting unit 128 has a configuration similar to that of the light emitting unit 73 of the first embodiment, and includes a plurality of LEDs 129 as a light source and a base portion 131 as a support portion.

[0064] According to the above-described configuration, the return air RA sucked into the suction chamber 111 flows downstream through the accommodation recess 117. At this time, the return air RA passes through each air filter 121, 122 in order. First, foreign matter in the return air RA is captured in the upstream air filter 121, and then bacteria and viruses in the return air RA are removed by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst 126 in the downstream air filter 122. The return air RA is then taken into the indoor unit 101 through the opening 113 via the return air duct 112.

[0065] As described above, the configuration of this embodiment can provide the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0066] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0067] In the above embodiments, of the air filters 61 and 62, only the air filter 62 is provided with the photocatalyst 71. However, in addition to this, the air filter 61 may also be provided with a photocatalyst.

[0068] In the above embodiments, two air filters 61, 62 are provided, but this may be changed to provide only the air filter 62 provided with the photocatalyst 71. In this case, the air filter 62 is used for both capturing foreign matter and sterilizing. However, considering the decrease in the sterilizing effect of the photocatalyst 71 due to cleaning of the air filter 62, it is preferable to provide two air filters 61, 62 as in the above embodiments and use them separately for capturing foreign matter and sterilizing.

[0069] Furthermore, in a configuration in which only the air filter 62 is provided as the air filter, the air filter 62 may be attached to the air intake 37 of the indoor unit 32. In that case, it is conceivable that the LED 74 is disposed inside the indoor unit 32, for example.

[0070] The two air filters 61, 62 do not necessarily need to be arranged overlapping each other and may be arranged apart from each other. However, in order to ensure that the sterilization effect of the photocatalyst 71 also applies to the air filter 61, which does not have a photocatalyst, it is preferable to arrange the air filters 61, 62 overlapping each other as in the above embodiment.

[0071] The material of the air filter does not have to be limited to nonwoven fabric; for example, activated carbon filters may be used.

[0072] The light source for irradiating the photocatalyst 71 with light does not necessarily have to be an LED 74, and an incandescent lamp or other light source may be used. Also, the light source for the photocatalyst 71 does not necessarily have to be a light source dedicated to the photocatalyst, and for example, a lighting fixture such as a light bulb installed in the machine room 17 may be used as the light source.

[0073] In the above embodiments, a visible light responsive photocatalyst is used as the photocatalyst, but an ultraviolet light responsive photocatalyst may also be used. In this case, an ultraviolet lamp or the like may be used as the light source for the photocatalyst.

[0074] The whole-building air-conditioning system is not limited to one that targets air conditioning for one floor, but may target air conditioning for the entire building 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10...building, 30...whole-building air conditioning system, 32...indoor unit as air conditioning device, 37...intake port, 51...cover member as passage forming part, 57...inner space as return air passage, 61...air filter as second air filter, 62...air filter as first air filter, 71...photocatalyst, 74...LED as light source, 75...base part as support part, 100...whole-building air conditioning system, 101...indoor unit as air conditioning device, 113...opening as intake port, 121...air filter as second air filter, 122...air filter as first air filter, 126...photocatalyst, 129...LED as light source, 131...base part as support part.

Claims

1. an air conditioning device that generates conditioned air and supplies the generated conditioned air to a plurality of indoor spaces in the building; The conditioned air supplied to the indoor spaces is returned to the air conditioning device as return air, The air conditioning device has an intake port provided on a side portion thereof for taking in the return air, and is a whole-building air conditioning system that generates conditioned air based on the return air taken in through the intake port, a substantially box-shaped cover member is provided on the side surface of the air conditioner so as to cover the intake port, The cover member has a front plate portion facing the intake port at a distance, a pair of side plate portions extending from each side edge portion of the front plate portion to the side surface portion, and a bottom plate portion extending from a lower edge portion of the front plate portion to the side surface portion, A first opening that opens upward is formed in an upper surface of the cover member, a second opening portion that opens to the air conditioner side and communicates with the intake port is formed on the rear surface of the cover member; The return air flows into the inner space of the cover member through the first opening, and the return air is taken into the air conditioning device from the inner space through the second opening and the intake port, an air filter provided in the inner space to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the air conditioning device through the air intake; a photocatalyst provided on the air filter, In a whole-building air conditioning system, the air filter is supported by a filter support portion in a state inclined toward the air intake port.

2. The inner space is provided with a first air filter provided with the photocatalyst and a second air filter not provided with the photocatalyst, The central air-conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the second air filter is disposed upstream of the first air filter.

3. The central air-conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the first air filter has a coarser mesh than the second air filter.

4. The central air-conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the first air filter and the second air filter are arranged so as to overlap each other.

5. The inner space is provided with a frame-shaped support portion provided with a plurality of light sources that irradiate the photocatalyst with light, The central air-conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the support portion is disposed opposite the first air filter.

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