air purifier

Abstract

To provide an air purification device capable of achieving the performance improvement of a photocatalyst by emitting heat generated from a light source part.SOLUTION: An air purification device 20 includes: an upstream filter 52 and a downstream filter 53 including photocatalysts; a first light source part 55 and a second light source part 56 including emitters 551, 561; and a housing 51 including first and second housing parts 511, 512 for housing the respective light source parts 55, 56. The first and second housing parts 511, 512 include bottom wall portions 511a, 512a set at an opposite side of a direction of extracting light from the emitters 551, 561, and a pair of opposite wall portions 511b, 511c, 512b, 512c connected to the bottom wall portions 511a, 512a. A first heat-conductive member 59 and a second heat-conductive member 60 for transmitting heat of the respective light source parts 55, 56 to the respective housing parts 511, 512 are arranged between at least one of the pair of opposite wall portions 511b, 511c, 512b, 512c, and the respective light source parts 55, 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air purification devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a lighting fixture has been known in which a translucent glass cover with a photocatalytic film formed on the front surface is waterproofly attached via a silicone rubber packing to the front frame of a case that houses a light source that irradiates the photocatalytic film (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-104500 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the light source is simply sealed inside the case, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the heat generated by the light source is trapped inside the case, making it impossible to increase the energy of the light source. Not being able to increase the energy of the light source is undesirable because it hinders the improvement of the photocatalytic performance.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air purifying device that can improve the performance of a photocatalyst by dissipating heat generated by a light source unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is An air purification device, comprising: a photocatalytic filter (52, 53) disposed in the air ventilation channel (110) and containing a photocatalyst (P) that is activated by receiving light and purifies the air flowing through the ventilation channel; a light source unit (55, 56) including a light emitter (551, 561) that emits light to activate the photocatalyst; a housing (51) including a housing section (511, 512) for housing a light source section; The housing section includes a bottom wall section (511a, 512a) set on the opposite side of the light source section in the direction in which light from the light emitter is extracted, and a pair of opposing wall sections (511b, 511c, 512b, 512c) that are continuous with the bottom wall section and that face each other across the light source section, A pair of opposing walls both and a heat conducting member (59, 60) for conducting heat from the light source unit to the housing unit is disposed between the light source unit and the housing unit, The heat conducting member is a pair of opposing wall portions Both and the light source unit in a state of close contact with each other, and is also disposed between the bottom wall unit and the light source unit in a state of close contact with each other. And, The light source unit includes a rectangular substrate (552, 562) on which a light emitter is mounted, The heat conduction member is continuous with the mounting surface (552a, 562a) of the substrate for the light emitter, and is arranged in close contact with the side surfaces (552c, 552d, 562c, 562d) extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate and the back surface (552b, 562b) of the mounting surface.

[0007] This allows the heat generated by the light source unit to be released to the storage unit via the heat conduction member, thereby enabling the air purifying device of the present disclosure to release the heat generated by the light source unit and improve the performance of the photocatalyst.

[0008] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and the specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an indoor air conditioning unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a photocatalytic module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the photocatalyst module as seen from the direction of arrow III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a substrate of a photocatalytic filter. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light source unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part VIII shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens member of FIG. 9. [Figure 10] 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sizes of a light source unit, a lens member, and a heat conduction member. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a light source unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a light source unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the preceding embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, in the embodiments, when only some of the components are described, the components described in the preceding embodiments can be applied to the remaining components. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other, even if not specifically stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0011] (First embodiment) This embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an air purifying device 20 of the present disclosure is applied to an interior air conditioning unit 10 of a vehicle air conditioner. The interior air conditioning unit 10 constitutes a so-called HVAC. HVAC is an abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the interior air conditioning unit 10 is disposed inside the instrument panel at the front of the cabin. The interior air conditioning unit 10 includes an air conditioning casing 11 that forms an outer shell. An air ventilation passage 110 is formed inside the air conditioning casing 11. A blower 13, an evaporator 14, a heater core 15, and other components, which will be described later, are disposed in this ventilation passage 110.

[0013] An inside / outside air switching box 12 is installed in the air conditioning casing 11 at the most upstream part of the air flow. The inside / outside air switching box 12 has an inside / outside air casing 121 and an inside / outside air switching door 122. The inside / outside air casing 121 is formed with an outside air inlet 121a and an inside air inlet 121b. The inside / outside air switching door 122 is arranged inside the inside / outside air casing 121 and opens and closes the outside air inlet 121a and the inside air inlet 121b.

[0014] A blower 13 is disposed downstream of the air flow of the inside / outside air switching box 12. The blower 13 blows air introduced from either the outside air inlet 121a or the inside air inlet 121b toward the interior of the room. The blower 13 has a fan 131 that generates an airflow and an electric motor 132 that rotates the fan 131.

[0015] An evaporator 14 is disposed downstream of the air flow of the blower 13. The evaporator 14 is a cooler that cools air by evaporating low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle through heat exchange with air.

[0016] A heater core 15 is disposed downstream of the evaporator 14 in the air flow direction. The heater core 15 is a heater that heats the air by exchanging heat between the engine coolant and the air. Above and below the heater core 15, bypass passages 16 are provided to allow air to flow around the heater core 15.

[0017] An air mix door 17 is disposed between the evaporator 14 and the heater core 15. The air mix door 17 is an adjustment means for adjusting the ratio of the air volume between the air passing through the heater core 15 and the air passing through the bypass passage 16.

[0018] The air conditioning casing 11 is formed with a defroster opening 111, a face opening 112, and a foot opening 113 on the downstream side of the heater core 15 in the air flow direction as openings for blowing air into the passenger compartment. The defroster opening 111 is an opening for blowing air toward the inside of the windshield. A defroster door 114 for opening and closing the defroster opening 111 is disposed on the upstream side of the defroster opening 111 in the air flow direction. The face opening 112 is an opening for blowing air toward the upper body of an occupant. A face door 115 for opening and closing the face opening 112 is disposed on the upstream side of the face opening 112 in the air flow direction. The foot opening 113 is an opening for blowing air toward the lower body of an occupant. A foot door 116 for opening and closing the foot opening 113 is disposed on the upstream side of the foot opening 113 in the air flow direction.

[0019] A partition door 18 is disposed downstream of the heater core 15 in the air flow direction. The partition door 18 is a door for dividing the space downstream of the heater core 15 in the air flow direction into an upper space and a lower space, and for connecting the upper space and the lower space.

[0020] In the indoor air conditioning unit 10 configured as described above, an air purifier 20 is disposed between the inside / outside air switching box 12 and the blower 13. The air purifier 20 functions as a filter unit that purifies the air flowing from the inside / outside air switching box 12 to the fan 131 of the blower 13.

[0021] The air purifier 20 includes a dust filter 30 and a photocatalyst module 50. The dust filter 30 and the photocatalyst module 50 are arranged in the ventilation duct 110. The dust filter 30 is supported by a support portion (not shown) provided in the air conditioning casing 11. The photocatalyst module 50 is supported by support ribs LB1 and LB2 provided in the air conditioning casing 11. The dust filter 30 and the photocatalyst module 50 are detachably attached to the air conditioning casing 11 so that they can be cleaned or replaced when performing maintenance, etc. The photocatalyst module 50 may also be supported by a support portion provided in the indoor / outdoor air casing 121.

[0022] The dust filter 30 is a pre-filter that captures dust, dirt, pollen, etc. contained in the air. The dust filter 30 has a filter material made of a breathable sheet folded into pleats and end plates that reinforce the filter material. The filter material of the dust filter 30 is made of, for example, a resin nonwoven fabric.

[0023] The photocatalyst module 50 deodorizes and sterilizes the air. As shown in Fig. 2, the photocatalyst module 50 includes a housing 51, an upstream filter 52, a downstream filter 53, and a light source device .

[0024] The housing 51 forms the outer shell of the photocatalyst module 50. The housing 51 is made of, for example, a metal material (e.g., aluminum) that is resistant to deterioration by ultraviolet rays. The housing 51 is provided with a pair of housing sections 511, 512 for housing light source devices 54 at both ends close to the air conditioning casing 11, and an upstream filter 52 and a downstream filter 53 are supported in a region between the pair of housing sections 511, 512. The pair of housing sections 511, 512 and the regions supporting the filters are aligned in a row in a direction intersecting the air flow. Note that, hereinafter, one of the pair of housing sections 511, 512 will be referred to as the first housing section 511, and the other will be referred to as the second housing section 512.

[0025] The first housing portion 511 includes a bottom wall portion 511a and a pair of opposing walls 511b and 511c. The bottom wall portion 511a is a portion of the first housing portion 511 that is set on the opposite side of the first light source portion 55 of the light source device 54 in the direction in which light from the light emitter 551 is extracted. The pair of opposing walls 511b and 511c are portions that are continuous with the bottom wall portion 511a and that face each other with the first light source portion 55 interposed therebetween.

[0026] The second housing portion 512 includes a bottom wall portion 512a and a pair of opposing walls 512b, 512c. The bottom wall portion 512a is a portion of the second housing portion 512 that is set on the opposite side of the second light source portion 56 of the light source device 54 in the direction in which light from the light emitter 561 is extracted. The pair of opposing walls 512b, 512c are portions that are continuous with the bottom wall portion 512a and that face each other with the second light source portion 56 interposed therebetween.

[0027] Specifically, the housing 51 is configured by combining an upper frame FU and a lower frame FD one above the other. The upper frame FU and the lower frame FD are obtained by processing metal plate material using a press molding machine, for example.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper frame FU has a generally rectangular upper plate UP arranged so as to intersect with the airflow, and a pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 protruding from both ends of the upper plate UP toward the downstream side of the airflow. The pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 each extend from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the airflow. The upper plate UP has multiple beams BE1 that support the upstream filter 52. Multiple openings AP1 are formed in the center of the upper plate UP to allow air to pass through. Note that the openings AP1 are not provided at both end portions of the upper plate UP that are connected to the pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 so that light source devices 54 can be accommodated.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the lower frame FD has a substantially rectangular lower plate DP arranged so as to intersect with the air flow, and a pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2 protruding from both ends of the lower plate DP toward the upstream side of the air flow. The pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2 each extend from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the air flow. The lower plate DP has multiple beams BE2 that support the downstream filter 53. The lower plate DP has multiple openings AP2 formed in its central portion to allow air to pass through. Note that the openings AP2 are not provided at both end portions of the lower plate DP connected to the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2 so that light source devices 54 can be accommodated.

[0030] In the first storage section 511 of this embodiment, a bottom wall 511a is formed by one of the pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 and one of the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2. The first storage section 511 also has a pair of opposing wall sections 511b, 511c formed by one end portion of the upper plate UP connected to one of the pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 and one end portion of the lower plate DP connected to one of the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2.

[0031] In the second storage section 512 of this embodiment, a bottom wall 512a is formed by the other of the pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 and the other of the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2. Also, the second storage section 512 has a pair of opposing wall portions 512b, 512c formed by the other end portion of the upper plate UP connected to the other of the pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 and the other end portion of the lower plate DP connected to the other of the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2.

[0032] Here, if the housing 51 is constructed such that the upper frame FU is placed inside the lower frame FD, there is a risk that water that has entered the air conditioning casing 11 will enter the inside of the storage sections 511 and 512 through the gap between the pair of upper ribs UL1 and UL2 and the pair of lower ribs DL1 and DL2.

[0033] Taking this into consideration, the housing 51 is structured so that the lower frame FD is placed inside the upper frame FU. Specifically, the housing 51 has a larger distance WU between the pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 than the distance WD between the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2 so that the lower frame FD can be placed inside the upper frame FU. The distance WU between the pair of upper ribs UL1, UL2 is set to, for example, a value obtained by adding the thickness of the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2 to the distance WD between the pair of lower ribs DL1, DL2, or to a value close to that value.

[0034] The upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 are arranged facing each other with a predetermined gap between them inside the housing 51. The upstream filter 52 is arranged upstream of the downstream filter 53 in the air flow direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 are configured as photocatalytic filters including a photocatalyst P and a substrate ST.

[0035] The photocatalyst P is a substance that purifies the surrounding air by being activated by light generated and emitted by the light source device 54. The photocatalyst P is a powder of a metal oxide such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide.

[0036] The substrate ST is a mesh-shaped plate member with a thickness of less than 9 mm (e.g., less than 5 mm). The substrate ST may be made of metal (e.g., aluminum), resin, or other materials. For example, the substrate ST is an art metal. An art metal is a mesh metal plate made by cutting alternating slits in a metal plate using an art metal manufacturing machine, expanding the slits, and forming the slits into a diamond, hexagon, octagon, special shape, etc.

[0037] A photocatalyst P is carried on the surface of the substrate ST. The photocatalyst P may be carried on the entire surface of the substrate ST, or may be carried only on a portion that is relatively easily hit by light emitted from the light source device 54 and relatively easily exposed to the air flow. The substrate ST carries the photocatalyst P, allows the air flow to pass through, and plays a role in reducing the amount of light emitted from the light source device 54 that leaks outside the photocatalyst module 50.

[0038] Specifically, the substrate ST has a plurality of strands SL and a plurality of bonds SB. The plurality of strands SL are members extending in a stripe shape. Most of the plurality of strands SL are connected to one bond SB at one end and to another bond SB at the other end. The strands SL located at the end of the substrate ST are connected to one bond SB at one end and open at the other end. The bonds SB are members that serve as nodes where the plurality of strands SL are connected. The net shape of the substrate ST is formed by the connection structure of the plurality of strands SL and the plurality of bonds SB. At least one surface of each strand SL faces the portion that emits light from the light source device 54. As a result, in each strand SL, a portion of the light emitted by the light source device 54 is irradiated onto at least the surface of the strand SL.

[0039] 3, the light source device 54 is a device for irradiating light onto the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53. The light source device 54 includes a first light source unit UT1 housed in a first housing portion 511 and a second light source unit UT2 housed in a second housing portion 512.

[0040] The first light source unit UT1 and the second light source unit UT2 are arranged to face each other across the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 in a direction intersecting the air flow. That is, the first light source unit UT1 and the second light source unit UT2 and the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 are arranged in parallel with the air flow. The first light source unit UT1 and the second light source unit UT2 have the same basic configuration. Therefore, the following description will mainly focus on the first light source unit UT1, and a brief description of the second light source unit UT2 will be provided.

[0041] 7, the first light source unit UT1 includes a first light source section 55, a first lens member 57, and a first heat conductive member 59. In the first light source unit UT1, the first lens member 57 and the first heat conductive member 59 are arranged to face each other with the first light source section 55 in between.

[0042] The first light source unit 55 includes a plurality of light emitters 551 that emit light for activating the photocatalyst P, and a rectangular substrate 552 on which the plurality of light emitters 551 are mounted. The first light source unit 55 of the present embodiment has three light emitters 551, but the number of light emitters 551 is not limited to three, and may include one to two, or four or more.

[0043] The plurality of light emitters 551 are mounted on the substrate 552 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 552. The plurality of light emitters 551 are composed of light emitting diodes (i.e., LEDs) that emit light that activates the photocatalyst P when electricity is applied. Specifically, the plurality of light emitters 551 are composed of UV-LEDs that emit ultraviolet light UV.

[0044] The substrate 552 is made of a metal material (for example, aluminum) and has a mounting surface 552a on which the light emitter 551 is mounted, a back surface 552b of the mounting surface 552a, and a side surface 552c connected to the mounting surface 552a and the back surface 552b.

[0045] 3, a connector C is provided on the substrate 552 of the first light source unit 55. To this connector C, an external wiring L for supplying power to the plurality of light emitters 551 is connected.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, the first light source unit 55 is accommodated in the first accommodating unit 511 in an orientation in which the back surface 552b of the substrate 552 faces the bottom wall portion 511a of the first accommodating unit 511, and the side surface 552c of the substrate 552 faces a pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c of the first accommodating unit 511.

[0047] The first lens member 57 is disposed on the opposite side of the substrate 552 from the plurality of light emitters 551. The first lens member 57 is a "translucent member" that transmits light from the plurality of light emitters 551.

[0048] 9, first lens member 57 has a plurality of lenses 571 and lens support portions 572. First lens member 57 is made of a material that has high ultraviolet transmittance and high resistance to deterioration due to ultraviolet irradiation (for example, a transparent silicon-based material). First lens member 57 is made of an integrally molded product in which lenses 571 and lens support portions 572 are integrally molded.

[0049] The first lens member 57 has lenses 571 in the same number as the light emitters 551. The lenses 571 are arranged opposite the light emitters 551. The lenses 571 condense the light from the light emitters 551 so that the light from the light emitters 551 is directed toward both the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53.

[0050] The lens support portions 572 connect adjacent lenses 571 to each other and also connect the lenses 571 to the substrate 552, thereby supporting the lenses 571. The lens support portions 572, together with the lenses 571 and the substrate 552, surround the entire periphery of the plurality of light emitters 551.

[0051] 10 , first lens member 57 has a size larger than mounting surface 552a so as to be able to cover the entire mounting surface 552a of substrate 552. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , first lens member 57 has a longitudinal dimension SR1 larger than a longitudinal dimension SB1 of substrate 552. Furthermore, first lens member 57 has a lateral dimension SR2 larger than a lateral dimension SB2 of substrate 552.

[0052] Here, if the first light source unit 55 is simply housed in the first housing unit 511, the heat generated by the first light source unit 55 will be trapped inside the first housing unit 511, making it impossible to increase the energy of the first light source unit 55. Not being able to increase the energy of the first light source unit 55 is undesirable because it hinders the improvement of the performance of the photocatalyst P.

[0053] Taking this into consideration, a first heat conducting member 59 is disposed between the first light source unit 55 and the first housing unit 511. The first heat conducting member 59 is formed in a sheet shape so that it can be disposed in the gap between the first light source unit 55 and the first housing unit 511. The first heat conducting member 59 is made of a silicon-based material that has a higher thermal conductivity than air and is highly resistant to deterioration due to ultraviolet radiation.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, the first heat conduction member 59 is arranged between the pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c of the first accommodating portion 511 and the first light source portion 55, and between the bottom wall portion 511a of the first accommodating portion 511 and the first light source portion 55.

[0055] The first thermal conductive member 59 is larger than at least the back surface 552b so as to cover at least a portion of the side surfaces 552c and 552d of the substrate 552 that are continuous with the mounting surface 552a of the light emitter 551 and the entire back surface 552b of the mounting surface 552a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , before the first thermal conductive member 59 is interposed between the first light source unit 55 and the first housing unit 511, the longitudinal dimension SH1 of the first thermal conductive member 59 is larger than the longitudinal dimension SB1 of the substrate 552. Furthermore, the lateral dimension SH2 of the first thermal conductive member 59 is larger than the lateral dimension SB2 of the substrate 552. The longitudinal dimension SH1 of the first thermal conductive member 59 is smaller than the longitudinal dimension SR1 of the first lens member 57.

[0056] The first heat conduction member 59 has a thickness greater than the gap between the first light source unit 55 and the first storage unit 511 so that when placed between the first light source unit 55 and the first storage unit 511, it is in close contact with both the first light source unit 55 and the first storage unit 511.

[0057] 11, the first light source unit UT1 configured in this manner has the first light source section 55 entirely surrounded by the first lens member 57 and the first heat conductive member 59. As a result, the first light source unit UT1 is airtightly sealed in the space where the first light source section 55 is surrounded by the first lens member 57 and the first heat conductive member 59.

[0058] The second light source unit UT2 includes a second light source section 56, a second lens member 58, and a second heat conductive member 60. Similar to the first light source section 55, the second light source section 56 includes a plurality of light emitters 561 and a rectangular substrate 562 on which the plurality of light emitters 561 are mounted. The second lens member 58 and the second heat conductive member 60 are basically configured in the same manner as the first lens member 57 and the first heat conductive member 59. Therefore, a description of the second light source section 56, the second lens member 58, and the second heat conductive member 60 will be omitted.

[0059] 3, wiring holes 573, 583 are provided in the lens members 57, 58 for passing external wiring L therethrough. These wiring holes 573, 583 are sealed with packings 574, 584, thereby ensuring electrical insulation of the external wiring L of the light-emitting body 551. Note that the wiring holes 573, 583 may be provided in the heat conduction members 59, 60 instead of the lens members 57, 58.

[0060] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 10 configured as described above. In the indoor air conditioning unit 10, when the fan 131 is driven to rotate by the electric motor 132, air is introduced into the inside of the indoor / outdoor air casing 121 through at least one of the outside air inlet 121a and the inside air inlet 121b.

[0061] The air introduced into the inside of the inside / outside air casing 121 flows into the air purifier 20 and is purified, as shown by arrows AF in Fig. 1. Specifically, the air that flows into the dust filter 30 has foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and pollen removed as it passes through the dust filter 30.

[0062] The air from which foreign matter has been removed by the dust filter 30 passes through the photocatalyst module 50. Specifically, after passing through the mesh of the upstream filter 52, the air passes through the mesh of the downstream filter 53.

[0063] At this time, when power is supplied to the light-emitting element 551 of the first light source unit 55 and the light-emitting element 561 of the second light source unit 56 via the external wiring L, the light emitted by each light-emitting element 551, 561 is irradiated onto the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53.

[0064] This activates the photocatalyst P carried on the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53, and organic matter and bacteria that cause unpleasant odors and are contained in the air passing through the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 are oxidized and decomposed by the photocatalyst P. As a result, the air that has passed through the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 is deodorized and sterilized. In other words, the air that has passed through the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 is purified.

[0065] Here, heat generated by light emitters 551, 561 of light source units 55, 56 is released to housing units 511, 512 via heat conduction members 59, 60. The heat from housing units 511, 512 is then released to the adjacent air conditioning casing 11. Furthermore, since housing units 511, 512 are disposed adjacent to ventilation passage 110, the heat from housing units 511, 512 is released to air passing through upstream filter 52 and downstream filter 53.

[0066] The air that has been deodorized and sterilized by the air purifier 20 is drawn into the fan 131 of the blower 13. The air that is blown out by the fan 131 is then adjusted to a desired temperature as it passes through the evaporator 14, heater core 15, etc., and is then blown into the vehicle cabin. In this way, the air that has been purified by the air purifier 20 is supplied into the vehicle cabin as air for air conditioning.

[0067] In the air purifying device 20 described above, the heat conducting members 59, 60 are arranged between at least one of the pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c, 512b, 512c of each housing portion 511, 512 and each of the light source portions 55, 56. This makes it possible to release heat generated by each of the light source portions 55, 56 to each of the housing portions 511, 512 via each of the heat conducting members 59, 60. As a result, the air purifying device 20 can appropriately release heat generated by each of the light source portions 55, 56, thereby improving the performance of the photocatalyst P.

[0068] Furthermore, the air purifying device 20 of this embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0069] (1) Specifically, each heat conduction member 59, 60 is arranged not only between the bottom wall portion 511a, 512a of each storage portion 511, 512 and each light source portion 55, 56, but also between a pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c, 512b, 512c and each light source portion 55, 56.

[0070] This allows heat generated by each of the light source units 55, 56 to escape from three directions to each of the housing units 511, 512 via the heat conduction members 59, 60. Heat from each of the light source units 55, 56 can be released not only to the back side of each of the substrates 552, 562 but also above and below via the heat conduction members 59, 60. With this configuration, the heat generated by each of the light source units 55, 56 can be sufficiently released to each of the housing units 511, 512, thereby improving the performance of the photocatalyst P.

[0071] According to the inventors' verification, it has been confirmed that the junction temperature of the light emitters 551, 561 in the air purifying device 20 of this embodiment is reduced by approximately 4°C compared to an air purifying device in which the heat conduction members 59, 60 are not arranged between the storage sections 511, 512 and the light source sections 55, 56.

[0072] (2) Each light source unit 55, 56 includes a substrate 552, 562 on which a light emitter 551, 561 is mounted. Each heat conduction member 59, 60 is larger than at least the back surface 552b, 562b so as to cover at least a portion of the side surface 552c, 552d, 562c, 562d and the entire back surface 552b, 562b of the substrate 552, 562. This ensures a sufficient heat dissipation area for each light source unit 55, 56, and allows heat generated by each light source unit 55, 56 to be transferred from each light source unit 55, 56 to each housing unit 511, 512.

[0073] (3) The air purifying device 20 includes a first lens member 57 and a second lens member 58 that are disposed on the opposite side of the substrates 552 and 562 from the light emitters 551 and 561 and transmit light from the light emitters 551 and 561. The light source units 55 and 56 are sealed in spaces surrounded by the lens members 57 and 58 and the heat conduction members 59 and 60. In this manner, the lens members 57 and 58 and the heat conduction members 59 and 60 function as sealants that prevent the light source units 55 and 56 from being exposed to water. With this configuration, the waterproofing of the light source units 55 and 56 is ensured, while the heat dissipation performance of the light source units 55 and 56 is improved, thereby improving the performance of the photocatalyst P.

[0074] (4) The lens members 57, 58 are larger than at least the mounting surfaces 552a, 562a so as to be able to cover the entire mounting surfaces 552a, 562a of the substrates 552, 562. This makes it possible to prevent the mounting surfaces 552a, 562a of the substrates 552, 562 from being exposed to water while outputting the light of the light source units 55, 56 in the desired direction.

[0075] (5) Each of the heat conductive members 59, 60 is formed in a sheet shape. If each of the heat conductive members 59, 60 is formed in a sheet shape, it can be appropriately disposed between each of the light source units 55, 56 and each of the housing units 511, 512.

[0076] (6) Each of the heat conductive members 59, 60 is made of a silicon-based material. If each of the heat conductive members 59, 60 is made of a silicon-based material that has excellent resistance to ultraviolet rays, deterioration of each of the heat conductive members 59, 60 caused by the light emitted by each of the light source units 55, 56 can be suppressed, and the heat dissipation performance of each of the light source units 55, 56 can be improved.

[0077] (Modification of the first embodiment) The air purifying device 20 of the present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and can be modified, for example, as follows. Note that the following modifications can also be applied to the first embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0078] [First Modification] The air purification device 20 may be arranged, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, between one of a pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c of the first storage portion 511 that is upstream in the air flow and the first light source portion 55, and between the bottom wall portion 511a of the first storage portion 511 and the first light source portion 55.

[0079] Even with this configuration, the heat generated by each of the light source units 55, 56 can be released from two directions to each of the housing units 511, 512 via the heat conduction members 59, 60. Therefore, the heat generated by each of the light source units 55, 56 can be released to each of the housing units 511, 512, improving the performance of the photocatalyst P. In consideration of waterproofing, it is desirable to dispose a seal member 61 between one of the pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c of the first housing unit 511 that is downstream in the air flow and the first light source unit 55, as shown in FIG. 12. The seal member 61 is made of, for example, a material having a lower thermal conductivity than each of the heat conduction members 59, 60.

[0080] [Second Modification] The air purification device 20 may be disposed, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, between one of a pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c of the first storage portion 511 that is downstream in the air flow and the first light source portion 55, and between the bottom wall portion 511a of the first storage portion 511 and the first light source portion 55.

[0081] Even with this configuration, heat generated by each of the light source units 55, 56 can be released from two directions to each of the housing units 511, 512 via the heat conduction members 59, 60. Therefore, the heat generated by each of the light source units 55, 56 can be released to each of the housing units 511, 512, improving the performance of the photocatalyst P. In consideration of waterproofing, it is desirable to dispose a seal member 62 between one of the pair of opposing wall portions 511b, 511c of the first housing unit 511 that is located upstream in the air flow and the first light source unit 55, as shown in FIG. 13. The seal member 62 is made of, for example, a material having a lower thermal conductivity than each of the heat conduction members 59, 60.

[0082] [Third Modification] In the air purifying device 20 of the first embodiment, the wiring holes 573, 583 of the external wiring L are sealed with packings 574, 584, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, the air purifying device 20 may ensure electrical insulation of the external wiring L of the light-emitting body 551 by covering the external wiring L with potting resin PR.

[0083] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0084] 15, the first light source unit UT1 of this embodiment is provided with a clip spring 63. The clip spring 63 is obtained, for example, by processing a metal plate using a press molding machine.

[0085] The clip spring 63 functions as a pressing member that presses the first light source unit 55 toward the bottom wall 511a of the first housing unit 511 with the first heat conductive member 59 interposed between the first light source unit 55 and the bottom wall 511a. The clip spring 63 is configured as a leaf spring. Specifically, the clip spring 63 has a fixing portion 631, a pressing portion 632, and an arm portion 633 that connects the fixing portion 631 and the pressing portion 632. The fixing portion 631 is fixed to the bottom wall 511a by being sandwiched between an upper rib UL1 and a lower rib DL1 that constitute the bottom wall 511a. The pressing portion 632, together with the fixing portion 631, sandwiches the stack of the first light source unit 55, the first lens member 57, the lower rib DL1, and the first heat conductive member 59.

[0086] The clip spring 63 has a distance between the pressing portion 632 and the fixing portion 631 that is smaller than the dimension in the stacking direction of the stack of the first light source section 55, the first lens member 57, the lower rib DL1, and the first heat conduction member 59. This presses the first light source section 55 toward the bottom wall section 511a. Note that the clip spring 63 is attached to a position on the first light source unit UT1 where the light emitter 551 is not provided so as not to interfere with the irradiation of light from the light emitter 551.

[0087] Although not shown, the second light source unit UT2 has a spring similar to the clip spring 63 provided in the first light source unit UT1 provided between the second light source section 56 and the bottom wall section 512a of the second housing section 512. A description of this spring will be omitted.

[0088] The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The air purifying device 20 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment that are achieved by a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0090] (1) In the first light source unit UT1 of the air purifying device 20, the first light source section 55 is pressed toward the bottom wall section 511a of the first housing section 511 by the clip spring 63. With this structure, the first heat conductive member 59 can be brought into close contact with both the first light source section 55 and the bottom wall section 511a, making it easier for heat generated by the first light source section 55 to transfer from the first light source section 55 to the first housing section 511. Note that the second light source unit UT2 has the same structure as the first light source unit UT1, and therefore can achieve the same effects as the first light source unit UT1.

[0091] (Modification of the second embodiment) The air purifying device 20 of the present disclosure is not limited to the one described in the first embodiment above, and can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0092] [First Modification] In the air purifying device 20, a pressing member may be configured using a part of the housing 51. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the first light source unit UT1 may be configured such that a pressing portion PP is integrally provided on the lower frame FD, thereby pressing the first light source unit 55 against the bottom wall portion 511a of the first housing portion 511. The second light source unit UT2 may be configured such that a pressing portion PP is integrally provided on the lower frame FD, thereby pressing the second light source unit 56 against the bottom wall portion 512a of the second housing portion 512, similar to the first light source unit UT1. The lower frame FD has a shape similar to that of the clip spring 63. The pressing portion PP can be formed by molding, for example, by caulking, which plastically deforms a part of the lower frame FD so that it contacts the surfaces of the lens members 57 and 58.

[0093] In this modified example, the pressing member is formed using a part of the housing 51, so that the first heat conduction member 59 can be tightly attached to both the first light source unit 55 and the bottom wall unit 511a without increasing the number of parts.

[0094] [Second Modification] In the air purifying device 20, the pressing member may be configured by a fastening element that connects components together. For example, in the first light source unit UT1, the bottom wall 511a, the first heat conductive member 59, and the first light source 55 may be fastened together with screws BS, as shown in Fig. 17. In the second light source unit UT2, similar to the first light source unit UT1, the bottom wall 512a, the second heat conductive member 60, and the second light source 56 may be fastened together with screws BS. This modification also allows the first heat conductive member 59 to be in close contact with both the first light source 55 and the bottom wall 511a.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways, for example, as follows.

[0096] The housing 51 in the above embodiment is configured by an upper frame FU and a lower frame FD, but is not limited to this and may be realized by a different structure.

[0097] The air purifying device 20 in the above-described embodiment has an upstream filter 52 and a downstream filter 53 as photocatalytic filters, but is not limited to this. The air purifying device 20 may have one photocatalytic filter, or three or more photocatalytic filters. The photocatalytic filter is not limited to a mesh-shaped metal plate, and may be configured as a corrugated plate member carrying the photocatalyst P, or a nonwoven fabric carrying the photocatalyst P, or the like. The form in which the photocatalyst P is arranged on the substrate ST is not limited to being carried.

[0098] Although each of the light source units UT1 and UT2 in the above-described embodiment includes a first lens member 57 and a second lens member 58, the lens members 57 and 58 are not essential. For example, each of the light source units UT1 and UT2 may include a transparent member without a light-collecting function instead of the lens members 57 and 58. Furthermore, each of the light source units UT1 and UT2 may include a light guiding rod for guiding light from each of the light source sections 55 and 56 to the photocatalytic filter.

[0099] In each of the above embodiments, the light emitted from the light source device 54 is light containing ultraviolet rays, but the light emitted from the light source device 54 may be light that does not contain ultraviolet rays. For example, the light emitted from the light source device 54 may be visible light. In this case, a visible light responsive photocatalyst is used as the photocatalyst P.

[0100] As in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable, but not limited to, that the heat conduction members 59, 60 be disposed between the bottom wall portions 511a, 512a of the storage portions 511, 512 and the light source portions 55, 56. The heat conduction members 59, 60 do not necessarily have to be disposed between the bottom wall portions 511a, 512a of the storage portions 511, 512 and the light source portions 55, 56.

[0101] The heat conduction members 59, 60 are preferably larger in size than the back surfaces 552b, 562b of the substrates 552, 562, but may be the same size as or smaller than the back surfaces 552b, 562b. The heat conduction members 59, 60 do not have a fixed shape, and may be made of a fluid, amorphous material such as grease. The heat conduction members 59, 60 may also be made of a material other than a silicon-based material.

[0102] As in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the light source units 55, 56 of the air purifying device 20 are sealed in the spaces surrounded by the lens members 57, 58 and the heat conductive members 59, 60, but this is not limitative. The light source units 55, 56 of the air purifying device 20 do not have to be sealed in the spaces surrounded by the lens members 57, 58 and the heat conductive members 59, 60.

[0103] In the air purifying device 20 of the above-described embodiment, the first light source unit UT1 and the second light source unit UT2 are disposed so as to face the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 in a direction intersecting the air flow, but this is not limiting. The first light source unit UT1 and the second light source unit UT2 may be disposed so as to face the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 in the air flow. In other words, in the air purifying device 20, the first light source unit UT1 and the second light source unit UT2 and the upstream filter 52 and the downstream filter 53 may be disposed in series with respect to the air flow.

[0104] The air purification device 20 of the present disclosure is not limited to the interior air conditioning unit 10 of a vehicle air conditioner, but can also be applied to other devices such as, for example, a stationary air conditioner, an air purifier that does not have the function of adjusting the interior temperature, or an electric fan.

[0105] In the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0106] In the above-described embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0107] In the above-described embodiments, when referring to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of components, etc., the shapes, positional relationships, etc. are not limited to those unless otherwise specified or when they are fundamentally limited to specific shapes, positional relationships, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 51 Housing 51 511 First Storage Unit 512 Second Storage Unit 52 Upstream filter (photocatalytic filter) 53 Downstream filter (photocatalytic filter) 55 1st light source section 56 Second light source section 551, 561 luminous body 59 First heat conductive member 60 Second heat conductive member

Claims

1. An air purification device, comprising: a photocatalytic filter (52, 53) disposed in the air ventilation path (110) and containing a photocatalyst (P) that is activated by receiving light and purifies the air flowing through the ventilation path; a light source unit (55, 56) including a light emitter (551, 561) that emits light to activate the photocatalyst; a housing (51) including a housing section (511, 512) that houses the light source section; The housing includes a bottom wall portion (511a, 512a) set on the opposite side of the light source portion in a direction in which light from the light emitter is extracted, and a pair of opposing wall portions (511b, 511c, 512b, 512c) that are continuous with the bottom wall portion and that face each other across the light source portion, a heat conduction member (59, 60) for conducting heat from the light source unit to the housing unit is disposed between each of the pair of opposing wall portions and the light source unit; the heat conduction member is disposed between each of the pair of opposing wall portions and the light source portion in a state of close contact with the heat conduction member, and is also disposed between the bottom wall portion and the light source portion in a state of close contact with the heat conduction member, The light source unit includes a rectangular substrate (552, 562) on which the light emitter is mounted, An air purifying device in which the heat conduction member is connected to the mounting surface (552a, 562a) of the light-emitting body on the substrate and is arranged in close contact with the side surfaces (552c, 552d, 562c, 562d) extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate and the back surface (552b, 562b) of the mounting surface.

2. An air purifying device as described in Claim 1, wherein the thermal conduction member is at least larger in size than the back surface so as to cover at least a portion of the side surface connected to the mounting surface of the light-emitting element on the substrate and the entire back surface of the mounting surface.

3. a light-transmitting member (56, 58) disposed on the opposite side of the substrate with respect to the light-emitting body and transmitting light from the light-emitting body; The air purifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source unit is sealed in a space surrounded by the light-transmitting member and the heat-conducting member.

4. The air purifying device according to claim 3 , wherein the light-transmitting member is larger than at least the mounting surface so as to cover the entire mounting surface.

5. 5. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the heat conducting member is formed in a sheet shape.

6. 6. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the heat conducting member is made of a silicon-based material.

7. 7. The air purifying device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member (63, PP, BS) that presses the light source unit toward the bottom wall portion with the heat conduction member interposed between the light source unit and the bottom wall portion.

Images