Airflow Sterilizer

Abstract

Provided is an air flow sterilization apparatus 1A provided with a tubular sterilization section 3 which constitutes a sterilization chamber 35 extending in the main axis direction, a straight light emitting element 5 which is provided in the sterilization chamber, can emit ultraviolet ray toward an air flow flowing in the sterilization chamber, and has a uniform ultraviolet ray irradiation intensity, an air inflow section 2 through which air "air" is allowed to flow into the sterilization chamber, and an air outflow section 4 through which air "air" is allowed to flow out from the sterilization chamber, in which the air inflow section 2 is provided with a plurality of void layers 21 that are formed in layers and include, as main constituents, a plurality of concentric vertical void layers 21a and transversely spreading void layers 21b respectively communicating with the vertical void layers and spreading in the cross axis direction, and the plurality of void layers 21 are configured in such a manner that air in the transversely spreading void layers 21b can flow into the sterilization chamber 35 at same velocities through the vertical void layers 21a.　According to this configuration, an air flow sterilization apparatus having high sterilization efficiency, a small size, and a simple structure can be provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an airflow sterilizer. [Background technology]

[0002] As infectious disease prevention measures become increasingly important, there is a growing demand from medical settings for a simpler and more complete way to ensure clean air around medical personnel and patients, in addition to the traditional air conditioning system for the entire room. For example, there is a need to ensure the safety of the medical environment by suctioning and purifying patients' exhaled air before it spreads, and a need to ensure the safety and security of medical personnel by blowing clean air into a relatively small space around them. If we compare these applications to indoor air conditioning, while conventional air sterilization devices are air conditioning systems for the entire room, these are air conditioning systems that sterilize (including sterilization) the small space around each medical personnel and sterilize the exhaled air of individual patients. This can be called "personal sterilization," akin to the "personal air conditioning" that has been gaining attention in the air conditioning field in recent years. In this application, the term "sterilization" is used to mean not only the killing of microorganisms, viruses, etc., but also their inactivation.

[0003] To meet these demands, a compact airflow sterilizer with high sterilization efficiency is needed. One such device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 proposes a compact and efficient ultraviolet irradiation device that creates a Poiseuille distribution flow (Poiseuille flow) with a high flow velocity in the center, and irradiates the fluid with ultraviolet light using a light-emitting element with an intensity distribution in which the ultraviolet light intensity near the center is high. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-188127 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Poiseuille flow is a type of laminar flow in which the velocity distribution is quadratic when the flow flows through a long circular pipe. The central velocity is twice the average velocity. Creating Poiseuille flow requires a long circular pipe, making miniaturization difficult. Patent Document 1, however, claims that a Poiseuille-like flow can be achieved in a short distance by using a plate (6) with an aperture ratio (6a) that is designed to accommodate the apertures. However, in Figure 9 (velocity distribution) of this document, the high velocity occurs in the narrow central portion, while the light intensity distribution in Figure 8 (light intensity distribution) is nearly flat in the radial direction. Therefore, the two are not inversely proportional to each other. Therefore, the intended effect of constructing a complex device that aims to achieve Poiseuille flow is not being realized. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an airflow sterilizer that has high sterilization efficiency, is small in size, and has a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] The air flow sterilization device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical sterilizing section that constitutes a sterilization chamber extending in the direction of the main axis of air flow, a light-emitting element that is provided within the sterilization chamber and is capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the air flow flowing through the sterilization chamber, an air inlet section that is provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilizing section and allows air to flow into the sterilization chamber, and an air outlet section that is provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilizing section and allows air to flow out of the sterilization chamber, wherein the air inlet section has a plurality of void layers formed in a layered shape whose main components are a plurality of concentric vertical void layers extending in the direction of the main axis, and a bottom void layer that is connected to each of the vertical void layers and extends in a sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, and the plurality of void layers are configured so that air in the bottom void layer flows into the sterilization chamber at a constant speed through the vertical void layers.

[0007] The airflow sterilization device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical sterilization section (forming a sterilization chamber), a light-emitting element (located within the sterilization chamber and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light), an air inlet section (for introducing air into the sterilization chamber), and an air outlet section (for discharging air from the sterilization chamber). The air inlet section has multiple void layers formed in layers, each of which primarily consists of vertical void layers (extending concentrically in the main axis direction) and bottom void layers (expanding in the secondary axis direction). Air from each bottom void layer flows into the sterilization chamber through each vertical void layer at approximately the same direction and speed. This configuration ensures that the air flow in the sterilization chamber, when viewed in a cross section along the secondary axis, has approximately the same flow velocity and direction in the main axis direction at any point on the cross section (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "uniform flow"). This virtually prevents the occurrence of dead water areas where air circulates in the same place. Air that flows into the sterilization chamber is sterilized by ultraviolet light emitted by the light-emitting element without stagnation and then exits the chamber. Therefore, the volume of the sterilization chamber can be reduced and there is almost no air stagnation (dead water area), making it possible to provide an air flow sterilizer with high sterilization efficiency, a small size and a simple structure.

[0008]

[13] The air flow sterilization device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical sterilizing section constituting a sterilizing chamber extending in the direction of a main axis of air flow, a light-emitting element provided within the sterilizing chamber and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the air flowing through the sterilizing chamber, an air inlet section provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilizing section for introducing air into the sterilizing chamber, and an air outlet section provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilizing section for introducing air out of the sterilizing chamber, wherein the air inlet section has a void layer whose main components are a vertical void layer extending in the direction of the main axis and a bottom void layer communicating with each vertical void layer and extending in a sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, the void layer is configured so that air in the bottom void layer flows into the sterilizing chamber through the vertical void layer, the sterilizing chamber is configured so that the cross-sectional area in the sub-axis direction gradually decreases from the air inlet section toward the air outlet section, and a cone-shaped member with an apex pointing toward the other side is provided in the center of one side of the sterilizing chamber.

[0009] According to the air flow sterilizer of the present invention, air that flows into the bottom gap layer of the air inlet section is redirected toward the sterilization chamber by the conical member, is guided into the sterilization chamber through the vertical gap layer, and flows toward the air outlet section through the sterilization chamber, which is designed so that the cross-sectional area in the minor axis direction gradually decreases. As a result, air is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light-emitting element with almost no stagnation (dead water area) occurring in the sterilization chamber. Therefore, it is possible to provide an airflow sterilizer that has high sterilization efficiency, is small in size, and has a simple structure.

[0010]

[18] The air flow sterilization device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical sterilization section that constitutes a sterilization chamber extending in the direction of the main axis of air flow, a light-emitting element that is provided within the sterilization chamber and is capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the air flow flowing through the sterilization chamber, an air inlet section that is provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilization section and allows air to flow into the sterilization chamber, and an air outlet section that is provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilization section and allows air to flow out of the sterilization chamber, wherein the air inlet section has a void layer whose main components are a vertical void layer extending in the direction of the main axis and a bottom void layer that is connected to each vertical void layer and extends in a sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, and the void layer is configured so that air in the bottom void layer flows into the sterilization chamber through the vertical void layer.

[0011] According to this air flow sterilization device, the device comprises a cylindrical sterilization section, a light-emitting element, an air inlet section, and an air outlet section. The air inlet section has a gap layer whose main components are a vertical gap layer and a bottom gap layer. The gap layer is configured so that air from the bottom gap layer flows into the sterilization chamber through the vertical gap layer. Therefore, the air is sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element with almost no stagnation (dead water area) occurring in the sterilization chamber. Therefore, it is possible to provide an airflow sterilizer that has high sterilization efficiency, is small in size, and has a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic concept of the airflow sterilizer of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2]1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an airflow sterilizer 1A according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the flow of air in the airflow sterilizer 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the air inlet section 2 of the airflow sterilizer 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a simulation of airflow in the cylindrical sterilization part 3 of the airflow sterilization device 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a diagram for explaining a sterilization test (experiment) of the airflow sterilization device 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilization device 1B according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1C according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1D according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1E according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilization device 1F according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1G according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the airflow sterilizer 1G according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the airflow sterilizer 1H according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1I according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The airflow sterilizer of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is a schematic diagram and does not necessarily accurately reflect the actual structure or configuration. Each embodiment does not limit the scope of the claims. Not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in each embodiment are essential to the present invention. Components that are considered to be substantially equivalent will be designated by the same reference numerals across embodiments, and repeated description may be omitted. In the explanation of Patent Document 1, the symbols in the document are used as they are, and therefore may overlap in part with the symbols used in the explanation of the present invention. To distinguish between the two, the symbols used in the explanation of Patent Document 1 are enclosed in parentheses, such as "(symbol)". The symbols used in the explanation of the present invention are used without parentheses.

[0014] [Basic concept] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic concept of the airflow sterilizer of the present invention. Figure 1(a) is a diagram illustrating the airflow in a sterilization chamber 35 (container, length x width x height: a x b x h) used in the airflow sterilizer of the present invention, and Figure 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the airflow in a sterilization chamber 35 of a comparative example.

[0015] In Fig. 1(a), air flows in through an inlet 131 in a straight line and flows out through an outlet 132. In contrast, in Fig. 1(b), because of the presence of a partition wall 135, air flowing in through the inlet 131 flows upward, then turns downward at the top wall, and then turns upward at the bottom wall, forming a serpentine flow before flowing out through the outlet 132. Reference numeral 134 denotes an imaginary flow tube. In FIG. 1(a), there is no dead water area, but in FIG. 1(b), a dead water area 136 occurs. Here is an explanation. A "dead water region" is a region where a viscous real fluid flows behind an object or around a corner, where the flow separates from the solid wall to form a vortex region, and where the time average value is taken and the region is almost stationary (Reference: "Fluid Mechanics (Part 1)" by Imai Isao, Shokabo, 1973). Figure 1(b) shows an example of the shape, location, number, etc. of dead water regions.

[0016] [explanation] The amount of light irradiated by the airflow (J / m 2 ) is the irradiated luminous flux (W / m 2 ) × time (sec) that passes through the irradiation container (sterilization chamber 35), so the target air flow rate Q0 (m 3 Attempts have been made to lengthen the transit time as much as possible relative to the total flow rate (per second). For example, the sterilization chamber 35 (container) has been divided into several partitions to create a meandering flow, or a spiral flow has been generated within the sterilization chamber 35 (container).

[0017] Generally, the volume of the irradiation container (sterilization chamber 35) is V0 (m 3 ) and the air flow rate is Q0(m 3 / sec), the mean transit time τ (sec) of the air flow is τ=V0 / Q0 (1) (W. Kowalski, "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook", Chapter 8, "Airstream Disinfection", Springer, (2009)). As an example of this, consider the case where light is irradiated onto the flow in a rectangular container (sterilization chamber 35) (see Figures 1(a) and (b)). The flow is assumed to be incompressible and steady. We will compare the case where there is no partition or the like inside (Figure 1(a)) with the case where there is a flat partition 135 inside that allows light to pass through, making the internal flow path meander (Figure 1(b)). In both cases of Figure 1(a) and (b), the flow rate is Q0 (m 3 / min) in order to consider the influence of the flow field inside the container. In the following, we will use the luminous flux (W / m 2 ) distribution is assumed to be uniform within the container.

[0018] In the case of Figure 1(a), the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path is S1 = ab, so the flow velocity v1 in the flow direction is v1 = Q0 / ab. Therefore, it is clear that the air flow passage time (τ) is τ = h / v1 = abh / Q0 = V0 / Q0, or in other words, is equal to equation (1).

[0019] Next, in preparation for the analysis of Figure 1(b), the flow field is divided into n "flow tubes 134" ("flow tubes 134" are tubes formed by a group of streamlines passing through each point on a small closed curve in the flow field, and no streamlines cross this flow tube 134) (Quoted from "Fluid Mechanics" by Hino Mikio, Asakura Shoten, 1992). The flow rate of the ith flow tube 134 is q i If this flow rate is constant in the flow direction by the definition of the flow tube 134, and the inlet end of the flow tube 134 is placed on the inlet surface (bottom surface) of the container (sterilization chamber 35) without any gap, Σ i q i =Q0. This flow tube 134 is also divided into small sections in the flow direction, and the length of the j-th small section is Δh i,j , the flow area is ΔS i,j Then, the flow velocity in this part is v i,j is v i,j =q i / ΔS i,j Therefore, the infinitesimal section Δh i,j The transit time of Δτ i,j =Δh i,j / v i,j =Δh i,j ×ΔS i,j / q i =ΔV i,j / q i ···(2) (ΔV i,j is the volume of this small section).

[0020] Next, by adding up the transit times from the inlet to the outlet for this flow tube i, i The total transit time is τ i =Σ j Δτ i,j =Σ j ΔV i,j / q i =V i / q i ···(3) (V i is the volume of this flow tube i). Here, the overall average transit time <τ> is the flow rate q of each flow tube 134 i When introduced as a weighted average of <τ>=Σ i τ i ×q i / Q0=(Σ i V i ) / Q0 ··· (4) It becomes <τ>=Σ i ΔV i =V0, so the same relationship as Equation (1) is obtained.

[0021] Next, consider the case where the inside of the container (sterilization chamber 35) is partitioned by several partition walls 135 as shown in Fig. 1(b) and the flow is meandering. In Fig. 1(b), the air flow enters from the lower left and exits to the upper right. Also in this case, the relationship of Equation (4) is obtained. However, when the flow is not straight, usually a dead water area as shown in Fig. 1(b) occurs at the corners of the container (sterilization chamber 35) or the ends of the partition walls 135. Therefore, a portion that is not filled with the flow tube 134 occurs, and (Σ i ΔV i )<V0. That is, it is inevitable that the passing time is reduced compared to a simple container. On the other hand, in the case of a flow without a sharp corner like a spiral flow, even if the dead water area 136 is eliminated and (Σ i ΔV i )=V0 can be achieved, for a given volume and flow rate, the average passing time still reduces to Equation (1), and a passing time longer than the straight flow in Fig. 1(a) cannot be obtained.

[0022] From the above, in the present application, the inside of the irradiation container (sterilization chamber 35) is made into a simple shape without a stirring plate or a spiral flow path, etc. On the other hand, by providing the newly devised air inlet portion 2 (see Fig. 2), a uniform flow velocity is realized as much as possible in the cross section at the entrance of the irradiation portion (sterilization chamber 35), and by passing this through the irradiation container (sterilization chamber 35), it is intended to realize as large a passing time as possible, that is, a large irradiation time, for a given volume and flow rate.

[0023] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 2 is a diagram shown to explain the outline of the air flow sterilization apparatus 1A according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2(a) is an external perspective view of the air flow sterilization apparatus 1A, and Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional perspective view. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of air (the symbol "air" is the same as the English spelling of air) in the airflow sterilizer 1A according to embodiment 1, and is a diagram showing a cross section of the airflow sterilizer 1A. For ease of understanding, arrows are used to highlight and enlarge parts. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the air inlet section 2 of the airflow sterilizer 1A according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4(a) is an external perspective view of the air inlet section 2, Fig. 4(b) is a plan view, and Fig. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view. The air inlet section 2 may also be referred to as a "straightening section."

[0024] For the sake of explanation, in FIG. 3, the air inlet section 2 is drawn larger than the cylindrical sterilization section 3 in comparison with FIG. 2 (the same applies to FIGS. 7 and 8 described later). In some parts of FIGS. 3 and 4, the air inlet portion constituent material 21z is shaded to make the gap layer 21 easier to see (the same applies to FIGS. 7 and 8 described later).

[0025] [Overall configuration of airflow sterilizer 1A] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the air flow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1 comprises a cylindrical sterilization section 3 that constitutes a sterilization chamber 35 extending in the main axis direction of air flow (the direction connecting the air inlet section 2 and the air outlet section 4), a light-emitting element 5 that is provided within the sterilization chamber 35 and is capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the air (air flow) flowing through the sterilization chamber 35, an air inlet section 2 that is provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilization section 3 and allows the air to flow into the sterilization chamber 35, and an air outlet section 4 that is provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilization section 3 and allows the air to flow out of the sterilization chamber 35. The air inlet section 2 has a plurality of layered void layers 21 whose main components are a plurality of concentric vertical void layers 21a extending in the main axis direction and a bottom void layer 21b that is connected to each vertical void layer 21a and extends in a sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, and the plurality of void layers 21 are configured so that the air in the bottom void layers 21b flows into the sterilization chamber 35 through the vertical void layers 21a at a constant speed. "Constant velocity" means that the velocity is the same at any point on the cross section in the minor axis direction. This includes cases where the velocity is strictly constant as well as cases where the velocity is nearly constant. Also, the direction of the air at any point is nearly the same as the major axis. The cylindrical sterilizing section 3 has a cylindrical shape.

[0026] [Air inlet section 2] The air inlet section 2 is provided on one side (the bottom in Figure 2) of the cylindrical sterilizing section 3 (sterilizing chamber 35) and allows air (air) to flow into the sterilizing chamber 35. The air (air) that flows into the sterilizing chamber 35 is sterilized by ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 5. The air outlet section 4 is provided on the other side (the top in Figure 2) of the cylindrical sterilizing section 3 and allows the air (air) that has been sterilized in the sterilizing chamber 35 to flow out.

[0027] The air inlet section 2 has a layered void layer 21 whose main components are vertical void layers 21a and bottom void layers 21b that communicate with each vertical void layer 21a. Each of the multiple vertical void layers 21a extends in the major axis direction and is formed concentrically in a plan view (see FIG. 4). Each bottom void layer 21b that extends in the minor axis direction communicates with each vertical void layer 21a through a communicating portion 21c. The air inlet section 2 has a structure that resembles a stack of multiple topless boaters of different diameters, with the gaps between them serving as the void layers 21 (the gaps in the brim portion serve as the bottom void layers 21b, and the cylindrical crown portion serves as the vertical void layers 21a).

[0028] The air that has entered each bottom gap layer 21b passes through each vertical gap layer 21a and flows into the cylindrical sterilizing section 3 (sterilizing chamber 35) at a uniform speed. In this specification, the air outlet section 4 side when positioned at the center (in the main axis direction) of the sterilization chamber 35 may be referred to as the upper side, upper part, upward direction, above, or the like, and the air inlet section 2 side may be referred to as the lower side, lower part, downward direction, below, or the like.

[0029] Air (air) around the airflow sterilizer 1A is sucked into the bottom gap layer 21b, travels in the minor axis direction toward the center of the concentric circle, changes direction to the major axis direction at the vertical gap layer 21a, and flows into the sterilization chamber 35. The air (air) that flows into the sterilization chamber 35 at a constant speed flows uniformly within the chamber 35 and is sterilized by ultraviolet light emitted from the linear light-emitting element 5. The sterilized air (air) then flows into the air outlet 4 and is discharged to the outside.

[0030] The concentric vertical void layer outlets 21f are preferably configured to cover almost the entire lower surface of the sterilization chamber 35 (the surface where the multiple vertical void layer outlets 21f are located; the surface in the sub-axial direction). In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the outermost vertical void layer outlet 21f (its outer wall) of the concentric vertical void layer outlets 21f is configured to be on the same surface as the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 35 (the inner surface of the step in the main axial direction). Note that if the diameters of the two differ (thereby creating a step), it is preferable that the diameter of the outer wall of the outermost vertical void layer outlet 21f is smaller than the diameter of the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 35. Furthermore, the area enclosed by (the outer wall of) the outermost vertical void layer outlet 21f (the area of ​​the plane in the sub-axial direction) is preferably 90% or more of the area enclosed by the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 35, and more preferably 95% or more.

[0031] In the air flow sterilizer 1A according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the outer diameter L1 of the cross section in the counter-axial direction at the bottom gap layer 21b of the air inlet section 2 is larger than the inner diameter L2 of the cross section in the counter-axial direction at the point where air flows in from the air inlet section 2 of the sterilization chamber 35 (see FIG. 3).

[0032] If the multiple void layers 21 constituting the air inlet section 2 have a simple shape (for example, a shape consisting of only concentric vertical void layers 21a and no bottom void layers 21b), the speed of the air flowing into the sterilization chamber 35 from each void layer 21 can be made the same by configuring each void layer 21 to have the same inlet area / outlet area (ratio). However, because the air inlet section 2 has the bottom void layer 21b and has an overall boater-like shape, and multiple void layers 21 are formed in a small solid body, the air in the void layers 21 generates a complex flow. To make the speed of the air flowing into the sterilization chamber 35 from each void layer 21 approximately the same, the ratio of the inlet area (21S1) to the outlet area (21S2) of each void layer 21 is set to be within a predetermined range greater than 1.0 so that the pressure loss due to the acceleration of the air flow in each void layer is approximately equal.

[0033] Therefore, in the air flow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, it is preferable that the multiple void layers 21 are configured so that the ratio (21S1 / 21S2) of the area 21S1 of the bottom void layer inlet 21e to the area 21S2 of the vertical void layer outlet 21f of each void layer 21 is within a predetermined range (falls within a predetermined range) (see Figure 3). The area 21S1 of the bottom void layer inlet 21e can be calculated by multiplying the gap width w of the bottom void layer inlet 21e by the perimeter of the bottom void layer inlet 21e. The area 21S2 of the vertical void layer outlet 21f can be calculated by multiplying the gap width w of the vertical void layer outlet 21f by the perimeter of the vertical void layer outlet 21f. The area ratio (21S1 / 21S2) is, for example, in the range of 1.05 to 7.0, preferably 1.05 to 6.0. The area ratio may be smallest in the uppermost layer (outermost layer; see Figures 3 and 4, etc.) and gradually increase toward the lowermost layer.

[0034] Here, the bottom layer and layers near the bottom layer may be treated as exceptions (excluded) in terms of the area ratio. This is because the outlet area 21S2 in these layers is smaller than that of other layers (e.g., the top layer). For example, the bottom layer may be defined as the lower first layer, and the layer adjacent to the bottom layer as the lower second layer. These two layers may be excluded, and the area ratio (21S1 / 21S2) for the other layers may be set to a range of 1.05 to 7.0, preferably 1.05 to 6.0, more preferably 1.05 to 5.0, even more preferably 1.05 to 4.0, even more preferably 1.05 to 3.0, and even more preferably 1.05 to 2.0. It is more preferable that the inlet area 21S1 is greater than the outlet area 21S2.

[0035] For example, if the air gap layer 21 is composed of six layers, the area ratio (21S1 / 21S2) is set within a certain range by excluding the bottom two layers. The area ratios (21S1 / 21S2) are set, for example, to approximately 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.7, starting from the top layer. This results in the area ratios of these layers falling within a range of approximately 1.1 to 2.0. Note that the area ratios of the excluded bottom two layers may be set, for example, to 2.8 and 5.0, starting from the top layer. Incidentally, the outlet area 21S2 of the bottom layer (or the bottom layer and layers near the bottom layer) is smaller than that of other layers (such as the top layer), and the air volume is small. Therefore, the air speed in the sterilization chamber 35 is affected by the air speed in other layers and tends to follow that air speed.

[0036] In the air flow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, it is preferable that the bottom gap layer 21b is configured so that its gap width w (in other words, cross-sectional area) is constant or gradually narrows from the bottom gap layer inlet 21e toward the connecting portion 21c between the bottom gap layer 21b and the vertical gap layer 21a (see Figure 3). The gap width w can be changed by, for example, changing the thickness of the air inlet portion constituent material 21z (plastic resin, metal, etc.) that constitutes the air inlet portion 2. Also, the gap width w may not be gradually narrowed but may remain unchanged (the gap width w may be kept constant).

[0037] In the airflow sterilizer 1A according to the first embodiment, the vertical gap layer 21a is configured so that its gap width w (in other words, cross-sectional area) does not change (see FIG. 3). In the air flow sterilization device 1A according to embodiment 1, the gap width w is constant or gradually narrows from the bottom gap layer inlet 21e toward the communicating portion 21c, and the narrowed gap width w remains unchanged in the vertical gap layer 21a.

[0038] In the air flow sterilizer 1A according to embodiment 1, it is preferable that the central concentric void layer 21 is provided with a cone-shaped member 21d (cone-shaped member, cone-shaped protrusion, cone-shaped protrusion) at the communicating portion 21c, with its apex pointing in the direction of the vertical void layer outlet 21f (see Figure 3). The cone shape of the cone-shaped member 21d (cone-shaped member) is preferably a circular cone, more preferably a right circular cone. The cone-shaped (e.g., cone) side may be concave, for example, like a gently sloping mountain, with the side steeply inclined near the apex and gradually gradual toward the base.

[0039] [Spacer 21g] 4(a) and 4(b), in the airflow sterilizer 1A according to embodiment 1, spacers 21g are provided in the gap layers 21 to maintain the gap width w between the plurality of gap layers 21. In embodiment 1, the spacers 21g are provided in both the vertical gap layers 21a and the bottom gap layers 21b, but they may be provided only in the vertical gap layers 21a or only in the bottom gap layers 21b. Note that the spacers 21g are not essential, and for example, when the air inlet portion component 21z constituting the air inlet portion 2 is made of a rigid resin, metal, or the like that does not lose its shape, the spacers 21g may not be provided.

[0040] [Manufacturing of air inlet section 2] The air inlet section 2 is manufactured by three-dimensionally shaping the cross-sectional shape by stacking it based on three-dimensional data created using three-dimensional software such as three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) or three-dimensional CG (Computer Graphics). Note that the air inlet section 2 including multiple gap layers 21 may also be manufactured by stacking parts that have been machined into predetermined shapes.

[0041] [Cylindrical sterilization section 3] The cylindrical sterilization section 3 shown in Figure 2 etc. is provided between the air inlet section 2 (one side in the main axis direction of the cylindrical sterilization section 3) and the air outlet section 4 (the other side in the main axis direction of the cylindrical sterilization section 3). The inside of the cylindrical tube 30 forms a sterilization chamber 35. The cylindrical sterilization section 3 (tube 30) extends in the main axis direction, and the sterilization chamber 35 is provided along it. A light-emitting element 5 is provided (disposed) within the sterilization chamber 35. Air flows from the air inlet section 2 into the sterilization chamber 35, and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the light-emitting element 5 towards the air (air flow) flowing through the sterilization chamber 35, sterilizing the air.

[0042] In the air flow sterilizer 1A according to embodiment 1, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the sterilization chamber 35 is configured so that it does not change in the minor axis direction along the major axis, or it gradually becomes smaller from the air inlet 2 toward the air outlet 4. In the first embodiment, the sterilization chamber 35 is configured so that the cross-sectional area in the minor axis direction does not change in the major axis direction (see Figures 2 and 3). In other words, the inner diameter L2 of the sterilization chamber 35 shown in Figure 3 does not change in the major axis direction (and therefore the cross-sectional area in the minor axis direction does not change). An example in which the cross-sectional area in the counter-axis direction is gradually reduced from the air inlet portion 2 toward the air outlet portion 4 will be described later.

[0043] [Light reflecting section 31] As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, a light reflector 31 is formed on the wall (side wall) of the sterilization chamber 35. The light reflector 31 can be formed by (a) installing a light reflector (e.g., an aluminum plate, stainless steel plate, etc. with a light-reflecting surface) separate from the wall (cylinder 30, inner wall) constituting the sterilization chamber 35, (b) forming a light-reflecting layer on the wall (inner surface of cylinder 30) by spraying, brushing, sputtering, etc., a transparent paint or transparent adhesive containing powder of silver, aluminum, copper, etc., or (c) constructing the wall (cylinder 30) constituting the sterilization chamber 35 from an aluminum plate, copper plate, stainless steel plate, etc., and subjecting the wall side to a light-reflecting surface treatment (metal surface treatment), or the like. The light reflection can be, for example, specular reflection or diffuse reflection.

[0044] The light reflecting section 31 is not essential, but if it is present, the air in the sterilization chamber 35 will be irradiated with ultraviolet light reflected by the light reflecting section 31 in addition to the ultraviolet light directly emitted from the light emitting element, which can further increase the sterilization efficiency. It is also possible to further reduce the size of the airflow sterilizer 1A or simplify its structure. In addition, if a light reflecting portion 31 is formed on the wall of the sterilization chamber 35, or if a perforated plate 6 configured to reflect light is provided, the ratio of direct light from the light-emitting element 5 to reflected light may be set to, for example, approximately 1:1.

[0045] [Perforated plate 6] The air flow sterilizer 1A according to embodiment 1 further comprises a perforated plate 6 arranged near the air inlet 2 or near the air outlet 4 of the sterilization chamber 35, and it is preferable that at least the surface of this perforated plate 6 facing the inside of the sterilization chamber 35 is configured to be reflective.

[0046] To explain using the drawings, as shown in Figure 2 etc., the perforated plate 6 may be placed on the lower side (see Figure 2, the air inlet 2 side) or upper side (see Figure 2, the air outlet 4 side) of the sterilization chamber 35. The perforated plate 6 is a plate with many holes formed in it. The surface facing the light-emitting element 5 (inside the sterilization chamber 35) is light-reflecting (specular reflection or diffuse reflection). For example, it is a plate with many holes formed in it, made of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, plastic resin or the like with a light-reflecting surface. The aperture ratio (the ratio of apertures to the total area) is, for example, 10 to 60%, preferably 15 to 50%, and more preferably 20 to 40%. Note that the smaller the aperture ratio, the greater the light reflection ratio, but the greater the pressure loss of the air flow.

[0047] A large number of holes are formed in the perforated plate 6, and the opening ratio and the blowing force of the fan 43 are adjusted so that the flow of air flowing into the sterilization chamber 35 from the air inlet section 2 (vertical gap layer outlet 21f) is not obstructed. When the perforated plate 6 is on the lower side, the ultraviolet rays escaping to the air inlet 2 are reflected and irradiated onto the air in the sterilization chamber 35. When the perforated plate 6 is on the upper side, the ultraviolet rays escaping to the air outlet 4 are reflected and irradiated onto the air in the sterilization chamber 35.

[0048] When the perforated plate 6 is provided, it may be provided on both the lower and upper sides, only on the upper side, or only on the lower side. When the perforated plates 6 are provided on both the upper and lower sides and the walls (side walls) of the sterilization chamber 35 also have light reflecting portions 31, the ultraviolet light from the light-emitting elements 5 is confined within the sterilization chamber 35, and the air in the sterilization chamber 35 can be further irradiated with ultraviolet light. If the perforated plate 6 is only on the upper side and not on the lower side, the ultraviolet light is reflected by the upper side. On the other hand, bacteria, viruses, etc. in the air before sterilization do not adhere to the perforated plate 6 on the lower side.

[0049] The perforated plate 6 is not essential, but if the perforated plate 6 is present, the air in the sterilization chamber 35 will be irradiated with ultraviolet light reflected by the perforated plate 6 in addition to the ultraviolet light directly emitted from the light-emitting element, which will further increase the sterilization efficiency and make it easier to make the air flow sterilizer 1A small and simple in structure.

[0050] [Light-emitting element 5] In the airflow sterilizer 1A according to the first embodiment, the light-emitting element 5 preferably has a linear or annular shape. Explaining with reference to the drawings, the light-emitting element 5 shown in Fig. 2 etc. has a linear shape (straight line shape). The "linear shape" refers to the shape of the light-emitting element 5 when viewed as a whole, and includes cases where the shape of the light-emitting element 5 is a long, thin cylinder (Embodiment 1), as well as cases where the shape is a so-called U-tube but is linear when viewed as a whole. Cases where the light-emitting element 5 has an annular shape will be described later.

[0051] The light-emitting element 5 is capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the air (airflow) flowing through the sterilization chamber 35. The ultraviolet irradiation intensity is uniform across the linear light-emitting element (the linear light-emitting element within the sterilization chamber 35). "Uniform" does not mean that the emitted light illuminance is strictly the same regardless of the emitting location, but rather that it is approximately the same. For example, if the average irradiation intensity of the entire linear light-emitting element within the sterilization chamber 35 is set to 100, then the irradiation intensity of any emitting location (within the sterilization chamber 35) is within the range of 70 to 130 (more preferably 80 to 120, and even more preferably 90 to 110). Examples of light-emitting element 5 that generate ultraviolet light include mercury lamps (low-pressure mercury lamps, etc.), pulsed xenon tubes, excimer lamps, and light-emitting diodes (multiple LED elements arranged linearly or flatly). The use of pulsed xenon tubes allows for the irradiation of powerful pulsed light in a short period of time and provides a high light output per unit length of the light-emitting tube, making them suitable for miniaturizing the device.

[0052] [Arrangement (installation) of light-emitting element 5] In the airflow sterilizer 1A according to the first embodiment, the light-emitting element 5 is preferably arranged (in the sterilization chamber 35) so that the linear direction of the light-emitting element 5, if it is linear, or the normal direction of the surface enclosed by the ring, if it is annular, is the major axis direction, the minor axis direction, or an intermediate direction between them (see FIG. 2). FIG. 2 shows that when the light emitting element 5 has a linear shape, it is arranged so that the linear direction is the minor axis direction. The arrangement of the light-emitting element 5 when it is linear in shape and arranged so that the linear direction is the main axis direction or a direction intermediate between the main axis direction and the sub-axis direction, or when it is annular in shape, will be described in other embodiments.

[0053] In the airflow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, a plurality of linear light-emitting elements 5 are used as the light-emitting elements 5, and these light-emitting elements 5 are arranged so as to intersect (for example, form a cross shape) when viewed from the main axis direction.

[0054] Referring to Figure 2(b), two linear light-emitting elements 5 are arranged inside the sterilization chamber 35. One is arranged along the sub-axis direction, with its straight line extending from the lower right to the upper left in the figure, and the other is arranged along the sub-axis direction, with its straight line extending from the upper right to the lower left in the figure. The two elements are installed at different heights (installation positions in the main axis direction) to avoid collision between them. When viewed from the main axis direction (when viewed in a plane), they are arranged so that they intersect (for example, form a cross shape).

[0055] When three or more linear light-emitting elements 5 are used, (1) they may all be arranged so as to intersect with each other, or (2) some of them may be arranged in the same direction. For example, when three linear light-emitting elements 5 are used, (1) the linear directions of the three light-emitting elements 5 may be shifted by 60 degrees, or (2) two light-emitting elements 5 may be arranged in the same direction and the remaining one may be shifted by 90 degrees. When they are arranged in the same direction, they may be arranged parallel to each other at the same height, or at different heights. The same applies to four or more light-emitting elements.

[0056] [Electrical Connectors 51] 2(a) and 2(b) is an electrical connector for the light-emitting element 5. For example, it is a socket, plug, connector, etc. for connecting the electrodes of the light-emitting element 5, such as a mercury lamp or excimer lamp, to a power source. The electrical connector 51 is preferably installed outside the cylindrical sterilization unit 3. This is because if it is installed inside the sterilization chamber 35, dead water areas are likely to occur and ultraviolet irradiation may be hindered. Furthermore, the drive circuit for the light emitting element 5 may be a part of the electrical connector 51 or may be attached to the electrical connector 51 (for example, built into the electrical connector 51).

[0057] [Air outlet 4] The air outlet section 4 shown in Figure 2 etc. mainly comprises an exhaust pipe 41 and a fan 43 installed inside the exhaust pipe 41. The fan 43 is attached to the exhaust pipe 41 with a fan mounting fixture 43k. The exhaust pipe 41 has the same shape as the cylindrical sterilization section 3 on the side facing the cylindrical sterilization section 3, and the inner surface of the exhaust pipe 41 and the inner surface of the sterilization chamber 35 are smoothly connected. The side of the exhaust pipe 41 opposite the cylindrical sterilization section 3 has a conical shape with a gradually decreasing diameter, terminating in a cylinder with a smaller diameter. This also serves to stabilize the air flow. The fan 43 is installed in the small-diameter cylinder. The fan 43 exhausts air from the sterilization chamber 35 out of the exhaust pipe 41.

[0058] Frame 71 In Figure 2(a), the reference numeral 71 denotes a frame (part of the frame). It is primarily intended to ensure the strength of the air inlet section 2. It is made of a strong material such as stainless steel plate or epoxy resin. The frame 71 is provided on the outside of the air inlet section 2, surrounding it. The frame 71 has multiple air vents for air circulation. In the drawing, these air vents are formed to extend in the circumferential direction, but they may also be formed to extend in the vertical direction. The frame 71 is installed in close contact with the bottom void layer inlet 21e or with a gap between it and the bottom void layer inlet. Note that the frame 71 is not necessarily required, for example, if the air inlet section 2 is sturdy.

[0059] [Simulation] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a simulation of airflow within the cylindrical sterilization section 3 of the airflow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1. FIG. 5(a) is a simulation diagram viewed from the sub-axis direction, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional simulation diagram taken along the sub-axis direction. The vector direction indicates the direction of the airflow (air). The airflow speed is color-coded in the original drawing, but is displayed in black and white in the patent drawings. In the original drawing, the speed is uniform and has approximately the same color (single color) within the sterilization chamber 35 (the meaning of the vector direction and the fact that the original drawing is colored are the same in FIGS. 12(c) and 14(b) described below).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5(a), it can be seen that the air flows at a substantially uniform flow rate in the main axis direction at any point within the sterilization chamber 35. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), when viewed in cross section, the speed (and direction) of the air is almost the same at any point on the cross section, whether it is the air inlet 2 side, the air outlet 4 side, or any point in between.

[0061] [Sterilization test (experiment)] FIG. 6 is a diagram (table) for explaining a sterilization test (experiment) of the airflow sterilizer 1A according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, the results show the results of measuring the sterilization performance of the airflow sterilizer 1A according to Embodiment 1 as a test product. Staphylococcus aureus was used as the test bacterium. Test conditions (1) to (4) (four types) are shown on the left, and the test results are shown on the right. The test conditions on the left varied the light source and air volume (air volume within the sterilization chamber 35). A linear low-pressure mercury lamp (UGL15-2, manufactured by Iwasaki Electric) was used as the light source (light-emitting element 5). Two of these low-pressure mercury lamps were arranged parallel to each other in the minor axis direction (passing approximately near the main axis center) within the cylindrical sterilization chamber 35, and another lamp was arranged perpendicular to the two lamps in the major axis direction to form a cross shape (a total of three lamps). The air volume within the sterilization chamber 35 was as shown in FIG. 6. The sterilization chamber 35 has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter of about 30 cm and a height of about 40 cm. The air inlet section 2 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 40 cm and a height of about 20 cm. There are six air gap layers 21.

[0062] Test condition (1) is when the light source is off, and no sterilization occurs in the sterilization chamber 35. (2) is when only one of the parallel-arranged poles is turned on and ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the airflow in the sterilization chamber 35. (3) is when one of the two parallel-arranged poles and the other pole arranged perpendicular to it (a total of two poles) are turned on. (4) is when all three poles are turned on. The air volume in the sterilization chamber 35 is as shown in Figure 6.

[0063] The right side of Figure 6 shows the average value of the results of three tests conducted under each test condition. "CFU" in the airborne bacteria count column stands for colony forming unit, a unit that indicates the number of viable bacteria (the number of living bacteria). "CFU / 30 L-air" is the CFU in 30 liters of air. In each case, when no viable bacteria were detected, the viable bacteria count was 3 or less, and this is recorded as "<3." The reduction rate column on the far right shows the extent to which the airborne bacteria count was reduced by sterilization. This indicates that the CFU test result had three decimal places with 9s. As is clear from the test results, an excellent bactericidal effect was obtained.

[0064] Furthermore, when a similar test was conducted using bacteriophage MS2 (a virus) instead of Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) and varying the number of light sources and airflow, an excellent bactericidal effect was obtained, just as in the case of Staphylococcus aureus.

[0065] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to the air flow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, air (air) flows into the sterilization chamber 35 from the air inlet section 2, which is provided with a plurality of concentric void layers 21. The air inlet section 2 has a plurality of void layers 21 formed in layers, the main components of which are a plurality of concentric vertical void layers 21a and bottom void layers 21b that are connected to each vertical void layer 21a and extend in the minor axis direction. The multiple void layers 21 are configured so that the air (air) in the bottom void layers 21b flows into the cylindrical sterilization section 3 in the major axis direction through the vertical void layers 21a at a uniform speed. As a result, there are almost no dead water areas within the sterilization chamber 35, and the air (air flow) that flows uniformly within the sterilization chamber 35 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the linear light-emitting element. Therefore, the sterilization efficiency of the air flowing into the sterilization chamber 35 is high. In addition, since there is almost no dead water area in the flow inside the sterilization chamber 35, it is possible to provide an air flow sterilization device 1A with a small and simple structure. For example, it is possible to make it a portable or easily movable device.

[0066] Furthermore, in the air flow sterilizer 1A according to embodiment 1, the outer diameter L1 of the counter-axial cross section of the air inlet section 2 at a location of the bottom gap layer 21b is larger than the inner diameter L2 of the counter-axial cross section of the sterilization chamber 35 at a location where air flows in from the air inlet section 2, so the length of the bottom gap layer 21b between the bottom gap layer inlet 21e and the communication section 21c can be increased. This allows the air to be further accelerated in the bottom gap layer 21b, allowing it to flow into the sterilization chamber 35 at a more stable speed.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the air flow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, the multiple void layers 21 are configured so that the ratio of the area 21S1 of the bottom void layer inlet 21e of each void layer 21 to the area 21S2 of the vertical void layer outlet 21f is within a predetermined range, so that the speed of the air flowing into the tubular sterilization section 3 from the vertical void layer outlet 21f of each void layer 21 can be made even more uniform.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the airflow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, the bottom gap layer 21b is configured so that its gap width w is constant or gradually narrows from the bottom gap layer inlet 21e toward the communication part 21c between the bottom gap layer 21b and the vertical gap layer 21a, so that the air (air) that has entered from the bottom gap layer inlet 21e is accelerated and moves toward the vertical gap layer 21a. This makes it even more possible for the air (air) that passes through the vertical gap layer 21a and exits from the vertical gap layer outlet 21f to flow into the cylindrical sterilization section 3 stably at a predetermined speed.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the air flow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, the vertical void layer 21a is configured so that the gap width w does not change in the vertical direction, so that the air (air) that enters the vertical void layer 21a from the bottom void layer 21b at a predetermined speed can be turned to the main axis direction without slowing down and can flow into the tubular sterilization section 3 from the vertical void layer outlet 21f.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the air flow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, the central concentric vertical void layer 21a is provided with a cone-shaped member 21d (conical member) at the connecting portion 21c with the bottom void layer 21b, with the apex pointing in the direction of the vertical void layer outlet 21f. This makes it even more possible for air air heading toward the center (center of the concentric circle) of the bottom void layer 21b to change direction in the main axis direction and proceed toward the sterilization chamber 35 without colliding with air air coming from the opposite direction at the center and canceling out the speed.

[0071] Furthermore, in the airflow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, the sterilization chamber 35 is configured so that the cross-sectional area in the sub-axial direction does not change along the main axis, or gradually decreases from the air inlet 2 to the air outlet 4, making it easier to keep the speed and direction of the air constant in the sterilization chamber 35. Furthermore, if the cross-sectional area in the sub-axial direction does not change along the main axis, the structure of the sterilization chamber 35 can be further simplified.

[0072] Furthermore, the air flow sterilization device 1A according to embodiment 1 further comprises a perforated plate 6 arranged near the air inlet 2 or near the air outlet 4 of the sterilization chamber 35, and this perforated plate 6 is configured so that at least the surface facing the inside of the sterilization chamber 35 is reflective, thereby making it even more possible to prevent ultraviolet light UV from escaping from the air inlet 2 or air outlet 4.

[0073] Furthermore, in the airflow sterilizer 1A according to the first embodiment, if the light-emitting element 5 has a linear or annular shape, it is not a special shape, and therefore it is easier to obtain a commercially available product or to manufacture it.

[0074] Furthermore, in the airflow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1, the light-emitting element 5 is arranged so that, if it is linear, the linear direction, or if it is annular, the normal direction to the surface enclosed by the ring, is the major axis direction, the minor axis direction, or a direction intermediate therebetween, making it possible to provide a device with a flexible structure, size, etc., depending on the length of the light-emitting element 5 and the size of the cylindrical sterilization unit 3 (sterilization chamber 35). For example, if the linear direction is arranged to be the minor axis direction, the length of the light-emitting element 5 and the length of the cylindrical sterilization unit 3 (the length of the major axis direction of the sterilization chamber 35) can be independent, and therefore there is no need to match the length of the cylindrical sterilization unit 3 (the length of the major axis direction of the sterilization chamber 35) to the length of the light-emitting element 5.

[0075] In the airflow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, a plurality of linear light-emitting elements 5 are used as the light-emitting elements 5, and when these light-emitting elements 5 are arranged so that they intersect (for example, form a cross) when viewed from the main axis direction, air far from the light-emitting elements 5 when arranged in a non-intersecting manner (for example, air near the wall of the sterilization chamber 35 that is located in the sub-axis direction from the center / main axis position of the linear light-emitting elements 5) also comes closer to the light-emitting elements 5, making it possible to further improve sterilization efficiency.

[0076] [Embodiment 2] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an airflow sterilization device 1B according to embodiment 2. The diagram shows that linear light-emitting elements 5 are arranged in the sterilization chamber 35 so that the linear direction of the light-emitting elements 5 is the main axis direction of the cylindrical sterilization section 3 (sterilization chamber 35), with Figure 7(a) showing the use of an elongated linear light-emitting element 5, Figure 7(b) showing the use of a U-shaped but linear light-emitting element 5 overall, and Figure 7(c) showing the use of a linear light-emitting element 5 that is suspended.

[0077] The air flow sterilizer 1B of embodiment 2 is basically the same as the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, except that the linear light emitting elements 5 are arranged in the sterilization chamber 35 so that their linear direction is the main axis direction of the tubular sterilization section 3 (sterilization chamber 35) (in embodiment 1, they are arranged in the sub-axis direction).

[0078] In the example shown in Figure 7(a), the light-emitting element 5 is placed at the center of the minor axis cross section (circle) of the sterilization chamber 35, with the linear direction being the up-down direction (major axis). Electrical connectors 51 are placed on both sides of the linear light-emitting element 5. One electrical connector 51 is placed outside the lower side of the air inlet 2, and the other is placed inside the exhaust pipe 41 of the air outlet 4. The void layer 21 (vertical void layer 21a) in the concentric center of the air inlet 2 serves as a passageway for the light-emitting element 5.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 7(b), the electrical connector 51 is placed on one side of the linear (U-shaped) light-emitting element 5. It is located on the outside below the air inlet section 2. Unlike Figure 7(a), the other electrical connector 51 is not necessary. Other points are almost the same as Figure 7(a), and so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 7(c), a linear light emitting element 5, such as an arc tube or an element equipped with multiple LED elements, is suspended so that the linear direction is the main axis direction. The light emitting element 5 is held by a holder 53, connected to a fixed anchor 55 by a fixing member 54, and suspended. The light emitting element 5 and the electrical connector 51 are connected by a wire 52, and the wire 52 transmits, for example, a drive signal from a drive circuit in the electrical connector 51 to the light emitting element 5. In other respects than those mentioned above, the aspects described in the first embodiment are also applied to the second embodiment.

[0081] [Effects of the second embodiment] In the airflow sterilization device 1B of embodiment 2, the linear light-emitting elements 5 are arranged so that their linear direction is the main axis direction of the cylindrical sterilization section 3 (sterilization chamber 35). As the air moves from bottom to top within the sterilization chamber 35, it is sterilized by ultraviolet light with strong irradiation intensity centered on the light-emitting element at the center of the concentric circle (in the cross section of the sterilization chamber 35 in the minor axis direction). The airflow sterilization device 1B according to embodiment 2 is similar to the airflow sterilization device 1A according to embodiment 1 except for the arrangement of the linear light-emitting elements 5, and therefore has the corresponding effects of the airflow sterilization device 1A according to embodiment 1.

[0082] [Embodiment 3] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1C according to the third embodiment. The air flow sterilizer 1C of embodiment 3 is basically the same as the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, except that the linear light emitting element 5 is arranged in the sterilization chamber 35 so that its linear direction is midway between the main axis and the sub-axis directions of the tubular sterilization section 3 (sterilization chamber 35) (in embodiment 1, it is arranged in the sub-axis direction).

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 8, the light emitting elements 5 are arranged so that the linear direction is midway between the vertical direction (main axis direction) and the horizontal direction (sub-axis direction). It is an oblique direction when viewed from the sub-axis direction. Electrical connectors 51 are arranged on both sides of the linear light emitting elements 5. One electrical connector 51 is arranged on the lower outside of the tube 30, and the other is arranged on the upper outside of the tube 30 on the opposite side. In other respects than those mentioned above, the aspects described in the first embodiment are also applied to the second embodiment.

[0084] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] In the airflow sterilizer 1C of embodiment 3, the linear light-emitting elements 5 are arranged so that their linear direction is midway between the major axis and minor axis directions of the cylindrical sterilizing section 3 (sterilizing chamber 35), so that if the shape or size of the sterilizing chamber 35 (cylinder 30) is the same, it is possible to arrange longer light-emitting elements 5 inside the sterilizing chamber 35. Furthermore, the air inside the sterilizing chamber 35 is sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitted by the long light-emitting elements 5 with stronger irradiation intensity, allowing for more efficient sterilization. The airflow sterilization device 1C according to embodiment 3 is similar to the airflow sterilization device 1A according to embodiment 1 except for the oblique arrangement of the linear light-emitting elements 5, and therefore has the corresponding effects of the airflow sterilization device 1A according to embodiment 1.

[0085] [Embodiment 4] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1D according to the fourth embodiment. The airflow sterilizer 1D of embodiment 4 is basically the same as the airflow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, except that embodiment 1 uses a linear light-emitting element 5, whereas embodiment 4 uses a ring-shaped light-emitting element 5.

[0086] 9, the annular light-emitting element 5 is arranged so that the normal direction of the surface surrounded by the ring is the major axis direction (in other words, the surface surrounded by the ring is arranged so that the minor axis direction is), and the major axis passes through the surface surrounded by the ring. The annular light-emitting element 5 is held by a holding tool 53, and is connected and fixed to a fixed anchor 55 by a fixing member 54. The light-emitting element 5 and the electrical connector 51 are connected by wiring 52. The ring may be arranged so that the normal direction to the surface surrounded by the ring is the minor axis direction or a direction intermediate between the major axis direction and the minor axis direction (not shown). In other respects than those mentioned above, the aspects described in the first embodiment are also applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0087] [Effects of the fourth embodiment] According to the airflow sterilization device 1D of the fourth embodiment, the light-emitting element 5 has an annular shape, which makes it easier to irradiate the air flowing through the sterilization chamber 35 evenly. The airflow sterilization device 1D of embodiment 4 is similar to the airflow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1 except for the annular shape of the light-emitting elements 5 and their arrangement, and therefore has the corresponding effects of the airflow sterilization device 1A of embodiment 1.

[0088] [Embodiment 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1E according to the fifth embodiment, showing a cross section of the airflow sterilizer 1E. The air flow sterilizer 1E of embodiment 5 is basically the same as the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, but differs in that the cross-sectional area of ​​the sterilization chamber 35 in the minor axis direction does not change along the major axis in embodiment 1, whereas in embodiment 5 the cross-sectional area is gradually reduced from the air inlet 2 toward the air outlet 4.

[0089] The following explanation will be given using the drawings. In the air flow sterilizer 1E of Figure 10, the sterilization chamber 35 has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter that gradually decreases from the air inlet 2 toward the air outlet 4 (the cross section is trapezoidal). In other words, the inner diameter L2 of the sterilization chamber 35 near the air inlet 2 is greater than the inner diameter L3 near the air outlet 4. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area in the minor axis direction gradually decreases. Air near the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 35 flows toward the air outlet 4 along the inner wall. Reference numeral 57 denotes a control device installed in the space created on the outside. In other respects than those mentioned above, the aspects described in the first embodiment are also applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0090] [Effects of the fifth embodiment] According to the airflow sterilizer 1E of the fifth embodiment, the flow of air flowing inside the sterilization chamber 35 can be further stabilized. The air flow sterilizer 1E of embodiment 5 is similar to the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1 except that the cross-sectional area of ​​the sterilization chamber 35 in the sub-axial direction gradually decreases from the air inlet section 2 toward the air outlet section 4, and therefore has the corresponding effects of the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1.

[0091] [Embodiment 6] Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1F according to embodiment 6. Figure 11(a) is a cross-sectional front view of the airflow sterilizer 1F, and Figure 11(b) is a cross-sectional perspective view. The air flow sterilizer 1F of embodiment 6 is basically the same as the air flow sterilizer 1E of embodiment 5 (see Figure 10), but differs in that while embodiment 5 has multiple void layers 21 that make up the air inlet section 2, embodiment 6 has only one void layer 21 (in other words, the air inlet section 2 is made up of the lowest layer of the multiple void layers 21 shown in Figure 10).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 11, the air flow sterilizer 1F according to the sixth embodiment comprises a cylindrical sterilizing section 3 constituting a sterilizing chamber 35 extending in the direction of the main axis of the air flow, a light-emitting element 5 provided within the sterilizing chamber and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward air flowing through the sterilizing chamber 35, an air inlet section 2 provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilizing section 3 for introducing air into the sterilizing chamber 35, and an air outlet section 4 provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilizing section 3 for discharging air from the sterilizing chamber 35. The air inlet section 2 has a vertical gap layer 21a extending in the direction of the main axis. The sterilization chamber 35 has a void layer 21 whose main components are a bottom void layer 21b that is connected to each vertical void layer 21a and extends in a sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, and a cone-shaped member 21d that is provided in the center so that its apex is in the direction of the other side, and the air in the bottom void layer 21b is guided by the cone-shaped member 21d and flows into the sterilization chamber 35 through the vertical void layer 21a, and the sterilization chamber 35 is configured so that the cross-sectional area in the sub-axis direction gradually decreases from the air inlet section 2 to the air outlet section 4.

[0093] The sterilization chamber 35 has a cylindrical shape, and is configured so that its cross-sectional area (inner diameter) in the minor axis direction gradually decreases (see FIGS. 11(a) and (b)). In Figure 11(b), reference numeral 72 denotes a reinforcing pillar that supports the cylindrical sterilization part 3. One or more reinforcing pillars are provided around the cylindrical sterilization part 3 so as to surround the cylindrical sterilization part 3. The reinforcing pillar 72 is not an essential component.

[0094] [Conical member 21d] Cone-shaped member 21d has a conical shape. Cone-shaped member 21d is configured to be located in the center of air inlet section 2, with its apex near lower perforated plate 6 (slightly below perforated plate 6 or in contact with perforated plate 6). In other words, cone-shaped member 21d is configured so that its apex does not enter sterilization chamber 35. (As will be described later, the apex of the cone-shaped member 21d may be configured so as not to enter the sterilization chamber 35, or so as to enter the sterilization chamber 35.)

[0095] [R forming part 21r] In the airflow sterilizer 1F according to the sixth embodiment, the outer inner wall 21i of the air gap layer 21 and the sterilization chamber inner wall 35i are configured so that their direction gradually changes from the minor axis direction to the major axis direction near the connection between the air gap layer 21 and the sterilization chamber 35 (the surrounding area including the connection). In other words, an R-forming portion 21r (a rounded surface with rounded corners) is provided near the connection.

[0096] [Light emitting element 5 (LED element)] In the airflow sterilization device 1F of embodiment 6, LED elements are used as the light-emitting elements 5, and the LED elements are arranged along the inner wall 35i of the sterilization chamber (in this specification, the terms "use" and "in use" are used almost synonymously). The multiple light-emitting elements 5 (LED elements) are mounted on an LED mounting substrate 56, which is an elongated flexible substrate. The LED mounting substrate 56 is affixed to the sterilization chamber inner wall 35i and installed with screws or the like, with the LED element arrangement direction (the longitudinal direction of the LED mounting substrate 56) as the main axis. Therefore, the multiple light-emitting elements 5 (LED elements) are arranged along the main axis (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "vertical arrangement"), and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the light-emitting elements 5 toward the inside of the sterilization chamber 35. It is preferable to provide two or more LED-mounted substrates 56 each having a light-emitting element 5 mounted thereon. For example, when there are two, they are installed at opposing positions on the sterilization chamber inner wall 35i across the main axis. When there are three or more, they are installed at angular positions equally divided on the circumference (sterilization chamber inner wall 35i) centered on the main axis. In Figures 11(a) and (b), only one LED-mounted substrate 56 is shown, and the other LED-mounted substrates 56 are not shown.

[0097] The LED element (light-emitting element 5) is mounted on the LED-mounted substrate 56, for example, by placing a chip LED (surface-mounted LED) on a wired flexible substrate and soldering the wiring on the flexible substrate to the electrodes (anode electrode, cathode electrode) of the chip LED. A chip LED is an LED that functions as an LED component. It is an LED package in which an LED element is mounted on a small substrate and coated with insulating resin. Instead of soldering, adhesion using a conductive adhesive, wire bonding, or the like may be used. Instead of the chip LED, a so-called bullet-type LED, FluxLED, or COB (chip on board) LED may be used, or a silicon substrate on which an LED is formed may be used.

[0098] Furthermore, an insulating resin may be coated on the light-emitting element mounting surface of the LED mounting substrate 56 on which the light-emitting element 5 (LED element) is mounted. The location of the sterilization chamber inner wall 35i where the LED mounting substrate 56 is installed may be coated with insulating resin so as to cover the LED mounting substrate 56 and the surrounding sterilization chamber inner wall 35i. The entire sterilization chamber inner wall 35i on which the LED mounting substrate 56 is installed may be coated with insulating resin. This improves insulation. Furthermore, the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 5 and the installation of the LED mounting board 56 have almost no effect on the air flow inside the sterilization chamber 35, but the effect of unevenness caused by the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 5 (LED elements) and the installation of the LED mounting board 56 can be further reduced. (The explanation in the section [Light-emitting element 5 (using LED element)] also applies to the airflow sterilizer 1G in FIG. 12(b) described later.)

[0099] [Effects of Embodiment 6] In the air flow sterilizer 1F of embodiment 6, air that has flowed into the bottom gap layer 21b of the air inlet section 2 is changed in direction by the cone-shaped member 21d toward the sterilization chamber 35, is guided through the vertical gap layer 21a into the sterilization chamber 35, and flows toward the air outlet section 4 inside the sterilization chamber 35, which is configured so that the cross-sectional area in the minor axis direction gradually decreases.As a result, air is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light-emitting element 5, with almost no stagnation (dead water area) occurring within the sterilization chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to make the air flow sterilizer 1F compact and simple in structure with high sterilization efficiency.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the air flow sterilization device 1F of embodiment 6, an R-forming portion 21r is provided near the connection between the air gap layer 21 and the sterilization chamber 35, so that air flows smoothly even at this location, making it possible to further suppress the occurrence of stagnation (dead water area).

[0101] Furthermore, according to the air flow sterilization device 1F of embodiment 6, an LED element is used as the light-emitting element 5, so that a small light-emitting element 5 can be used, and the influence of the presence of the light-emitting element 5 on the air flow can be almost eliminated. Furthermore, for example, by not using mercury, it is possible to avoid the environmental problem. Furthermore, when the LED elements (light-emitting elements 5) are arranged along the inner wall 35i of the sterilization chamber, the air flowing through the sterilization chamber 35 can be sterilized by irradiating it with ultraviolet light from the periphery.

[0102] The air flow sterilization device 1F of embodiment 6 is similar to the air flow sterilization device 1E of embodiment 5 except that the air gap layer 21 is a single layer (the air inlet section 2 is simplified), and therefore has the corresponding effects of the air flow sterilization device 1E of embodiment 5.

[0103] It should be noted that the sixth embodiment can also be interpreted as follows. When multiple void layers 21 are used as in the first (to fourth) embodiments, it is possible to generate a flow that causes almost no stagnation (dead water area) in the sterilization chamber 35, but in the sixth embodiment, instead, the air inlet section 2 is formed from the lowest void layer 21 (in other words, the lowest void layer 21 is configured to be enlarged relative to the air inlet section 2), resulting in a simplified structure. Along with the simplification, the size of the central cone-shaped member 21d relative to the void layers 21 is also increased. Furthermore, as in embodiments 1 (to 4), in order to generate a flow that causes almost no stagnation (dead water area) within the sterilization chamber 35, the sterilization chamber 35 is configured so that the cross-sectional area in the secondary axis direction gradually decreases from the air inlet section 2 toward the air outlet section 4. By doing this, even though the air inlet section 2 is simplified, it is possible to create a flow that causes almost no stagnation (dead water area), just like when it is configured with multiple air gap layers 21.

[0104] Incidentally, if the cross-sectional area in the sub-axial direction is gradually reduced toward the air outlet 4, the flow velocity toward the air outlet 4 becomes faster and the irradiation time becomes shorter compared to when this is not done. Although the sterilization rate is only slightly reduced, this can be compensated for by, for example, increasing the light intensity from the light-emitting element 5 or reducing the airflow power of the fan 43 to slow down the flow velocity.

[0105] [Embodiment 7] Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1G according to embodiment 7. Figure 12(a) is a cross-sectional front view of the airflow sterilizer 1G, Figure 12(b) is a cross-sectional perspective view, and Figure 12(c) is a diagram for explaining airflow simulation. The air flow sterilizer 1G of embodiment 7 is basically the same as the air flow sterilizer 1F of embodiment 6, except that in embodiment 6 the cone-shaped member 21d (cone-shaped) is configured so that its apex is located near the sterilization chamber 35, whereas in embodiment 7 the apex of the cone-shaped member 21d is configured to protrude into the sterilization chamber 35 so as to be located inside the sterilization chamber 35 (see Figures 12(a) and (b)).

[0106] Cone-shaped member 21d is configured in the center of air inlet section 2 so that its apex is located above lower perforated plate 6. In other words, cone-shaped member 21d is configured so that its apex protrudes into the interior of sterilization chamber 35. Perforated plate 6 has holes formed at the locations where cone-shaped member 21d protrudes into the interior of sterilization chamber 35.

[0107] Figure 12(c) is a diagram for explaining a simulation of the air flow in the cylindrical sterilization section 3 of the air flow sterilization device 1G. As shown in Figure 12(c), it can be seen that the air flows at a substantially uniform flow rate in the axial direction at any point in the sterilization chamber 35.

[0108] [Modification of Air Flow Sterilizer 1G] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the airflow sterilizer 1G according to embodiment 7. These are basically the same as the airflow sterilizer 1G shown in Fig. 12, but the arrangement of the LED elements, which are the light-emitting elements 5, is different. The explanation in the [Light-emitting element 5 (using LED element)] section of embodiment 6 regarding the light-emitting element 5, etc. basically applies to the air flow sterilization device 1G of Figures 13(a) and (b) as well, except for the arrangement of the light-emitting element 5.

[0109] In the airflow sterilizer 1G of FIG. 13(a), multiple light emitting elements 5 (LED elements) are arranged in a ring shape (circle surrounding the main axis) on the inner wall 35i of the sterilization chamber (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ring shape"). The plurality of LED elements (light-emitting elements 5) are mounted on a long and narrow LED mounting substrate 56, and the LED mounting substrate 56 is installed on the inner wall 35i of the sterilization chamber so that the LED mounting substrate 56 forms a ring shape surrounding the main axis. Air flowing in the sterilization chamber 35 in the direction of the main axis is sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiated in the direction of the main axis from a plurality of LED elements (light-emitting elements 5) arranged in a ring shape surrounding the main axis. Although FIG. 13(a) shows only one LED mounting substrate 56 on which a light emitting element 5 is mounted, multiple LED mounting substrates 56 may be arranged at different positions along the main axis direction.

[0110] In the airflow sterilization device 1G shown in FIG. 13(b), multiple light-emitting elements 5 (LED elements) are arranged on a thin, columnar LED mounting substrate 56, which is located at the center (center along the main axis) of the sterilization chamber 35 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "central arrangement"). The LED mounting substrate 56 has a thin, columnar shape and is placed on a cone-shaped member 21d. In this example, as shown in the figure, the LED mounting substrate 56 is cylindrical, with the outer diameter of the cylinder remaining almost constant along the main axis and gradually decreasing toward the air outlet 4. The thin, columnar shape is used to avoid the risk of large vortices. The apex of the thin column (position in the main axis direction) is closer to the air outlet 4 than the apex of the cone-shaped member 21d. The light-emitting elements 5 are arranged on the thin, columnar LED mounting substrate 56 in a linear arrangement along the main axis (vertical arrangement), a circular arrangement surrounding the main axis (annular arrangement), an all-over arrangement, or the like.

[0111] The LED mounting substrate 56 formed into a thin pillar shape may be made of, for example, a flexible substrate, and the LED elements may be mounted by soldering or the like in a flat state, and then formed into a thin pillar shape. Alternatively, the LED elements may be mounted by soldering or the like on the LED mounting substrate 56 that has already been formed into a thin pillar shape. The LED mounting substrate 56 formed in a thin columnar shape may be replaceably installed on the cone-shaped member 21d. If it is replaceable, it will be easy to replace it with one having a different thin columnar shape, one having a different arrangement of the light-emitting elements 5, etc.

[0112] As the air inside the sterilization chamber 35 flows from the air inlet 2 side to the air outlet 4 side, it is sterilized by ultraviolet light emitted from an LED element (centrally positioned) mounted on the outside of a thin columnar LED mounting substrate 56.

[0113] The air flow in the air flow sterilizer 1G of FIG. 13(a) is naturally similar to the simulation diagram shown in FIG. 12(c). The air flow in the airflow sterilizer 1G in Fig. 13(b) is also similar to the simulation diagram shown in Fig. 12(c). This is because the LED-mounted substrate 56 installed in the center of the sterilization chamber 35 is thin, so there is almost no stagnation (dead water area) (the same applies to the airflow sterilizer 1H according to embodiment 8, which will be described later using Fig. 14). Therefore, even if a thin, columnar LED-mounted substrate 56 extending in the main axis direction is located in the center of the sterilization chamber 35, there is almost no effect.

[0114] [Effects of the Seventh Embodiment] In the air flow sterilizer 1G of embodiment 7, if the apex of the cone-shaped member 21d is configured to protrude into the sterilization chamber 35 so as to be positioned inside the sterilization chamber 35, the air that flows into the void layer 21 is more smoothly guided to the inside of the sterilization chamber 35 by the cone-shaped member 21d, making it even less likely that stagnation (dead water area) will occur.

[0115] In addition, multiple light-emitting elements 5 (LED elements) may be arranged in a spiral shape (a spiral shape extending along the main axis from the air inlet section 2 to the air outlet section 4) on the sterilization chamber inner wall 35i (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "spiral arrangement") (not shown).

[0116] The air flow sterilizer 1G of embodiment 7 is similar to the air flow sterilizer 1F of embodiment 6 except that the apex of the conical member 21d is configured to protrude into the sterilization chamber 35 so as to be located inside the sterilization chamber 35, and therefore has the corresponding effects of the air flow sterilizer 1F of embodiment 6.

[0117] [Embodiment 8] Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilization device 1H according to embodiment 8. Figure 14(a) is a cross-sectional front view of the airflow sterilization device 1H, and Figure 14(b) is a diagram for explaining airflow simulation. The airflow sterilizer 1H according to embodiment 8 is basically the same as the airflow sterilizer 1G according to embodiment 7, except that embodiment 7 uses LED elements as the light-emitting elements 5, whereas embodiment 8 uses linear light-emitting elements 5. The linear light-emitting elements 5 are tubes such as fluorescent tubes with a predetermined diameter. In other words, in the air flow sterilization device 1H of embodiment 8, linear light-emitting elements are used as the light-emitting elements 5, and the linear light-emitting elements are arranged along the main axis direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "linear central arrangement").

[0118] As shown in Figure 14(a), the light-emitting element 5 is a two-piece straight tube (a single, straight piece) connected together (a so-called two-piece bridge, similar to a twin fluorescent lamp), and when viewed as a whole, a linear (shaped) light-emitting element 5 (in other words, a light-emitting element 5 extending linearly in the main axis direction) is used. The linear light-emitting element is arranged in the center of the sterilization chamber 35 along the main axis direction. The light-emitting element 5 has a tubular shape like a fluorescent tube. The light-emitting element 5 has a linear shape extending in the main axis direction as a whole.

[0119] A base is provided on the air inlet 2 side of the light-emitting element 5, and an electrode terminal protrudes from the bottom side (not shown). The bottom (base) of the base is placed on the cone-shaped member 21d, and the side of the base is smoothly connected to the inclined surface of the cone-shaped member 21d. The electrode terminal (male) protruding outside the base of the light-emitting element 5 is detachably attached to a power supply socket (female) embedded in the top of the cone-shaped member 21d (not shown). As described above, the light-emitting elements 5 arranged along the main axis direction in the sterilization chamber 35 (light-emitting elements 5 extending linearly along the main axis direction) have almost no effect on the air flow in the sterilization chamber 35. If necessary, a plurality of light-emitting elements 5 whose tips are connected by a bridge as shown in FIG. 14(a) may be used (placed).

[0120] As shown in the air flow simulation diagram of FIG. 14(b), it can be seen that the air flows at a substantially uniform velocity in the axial direction at any point within the sterilization chamber 35.

[0121] [Effects of embodiment 8] In the air flow sterilization device 1H of embodiment 8, linear light-emitting elements are used as the light-emitting elements 5, and the linear light-emitting elements are arranged along the main axis direction, so that the air moving through the sterilization chamber 35 can be efficiently sterilized by irradiating ultraviolet light radially from the center (main axis side). If a tubular light emitting element such as a fluorescent tube is used as the linear light emitting element 5, various types of such light emitting elements are commercially available and are therefore easily available. In addition, it is possible to increase the amount of irradiated light by utilizing a large tube area, thereby enhancing the sterilizing power.

[0122] The airflow sterilization device 1H according to embodiment 8 is similar to the airflow sterilization device 1G according to embodiment 7 except that it uses linear light-emitting elements 5 (fluorescent tube type) as the light-emitting elements 5, and therefore has the corresponding effects of the airflow sterilization device 1G according to embodiment 7.

[0123] In addition, in the first to fifth embodiments (FIGS. 2 to 10), the LED elements described in the sixth and seventh embodiments (FIGS. 11 to 13) may also be used as the light-emitting elements 5. In such cases, the explanations in the sixth and seventh embodiments are applicable to the arrangement of the LED elements, etc. In addition, the explanations in the sections such as "Combinations of arrangements of the light-emitting elements 5" are applicable to the combinations of arrangements, etc.

[0124] Also, in the first to fifth embodiments (FIGS. 2 to 10), the light emitting element 5 may be a straight tube similar to the twin fluorescent lamp described in the eighth embodiment (FIG. 14).

[0125] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 5 (Figures 2 to 10), as in embodiments 6 and 7 (Figures 11 to 13), the air inlet section 2 may be configured with the lowest void layer 21 (one layer), with a cone-shaped member 21d (cone-shaped protrusion) provided in the center.

[0126] [Arrangement and combination of light-emitting elements 5] Furthermore, the arrangement of the light emitting elements 5 may be a combination of the arrangements of the seventh and eighth embodiments (see FIGS. 12 to 14). For example, LED elements may be used as the light-emitting elements 5, and the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 5 may be a combination of a vertical arrangement and a central arrangement, a combination of a circular arrangement and a central arrangement, or a combination of a spiral arrangement and a central arrangement. In this case, the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 5 may be such that both are vertically arranged, a circular arrangement, one is vertically arranged and the other is circularly arranged, etc. Alternatively, LED elements and linear light-emitting elements 5 (see embodiment 8, Figure 14) may be used as the light-emitting elements 5, and an arrangement may be made in which a linear central arrangement and a vertical arrangement are combined, a linear central arrangement and a circular arrangement are combined, or a linear central arrangement and a spiral arrangement are combined. The explanations from [Embodiment 7] onwards up to the beginning of the main text can also be applied to Embodiment 6, in which the apex position of the cone-shaped member 21d is different. In that case, the apex position of the cone-shaped member 21d is assumed to be low as shown in Figure 11, and the rest of the explanations remain applicable.

[0127] To summarize the configuration common to the embodiments described above, the air flow sterilization device (1A to 1H) of the present invention comprises a cylindrical sterilization section 3 that constitutes a sterilization chamber 35 extending in the direction of the main axis of air flow, a light-emitting element 5 that is provided within the sterilization chamber and is capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the air flowing through the sterilization chamber 35, an air inlet section 2 that is provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilization section 3 and allows air to flow into the sterilization chamber 35, and an air outlet section 4 that is provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilization section 3 and allows air to flow out of the sterilization chamber 35, and the air inlet section 2 has a void layer 21 whose main components are vertical void layers 21a that extend in the direction of the main axis and bottom void layers 21b that are connected to each vertical void layer 21a and extend in the direction of a sub-axis perpendicular to the main axis, and the void layer 21 is configured so that air in the bottom void layer 21b flows into the sterilization chamber 35 through the vertical void layer 21a.

[0128] According to the air flow sterilization device (1A to 1H), the device comprises a cylindrical sterilization section 3, a light-emitting element 5, an air inlet section 2, and an air outlet section 4. The air inlet section 2 has a gap layer 21 whose main components are a vertical gap layer 21a and a bottom gap layer 21b. The gap layer 21 is configured so that air in the bottom gap layer 21b flows into the sterilization chamber 35 through the vertical gap layer 21a. Therefore, the air is sterilized by the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 5 with almost no stagnation (dead water area) occurring in the sterilization chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to make the air flow sterilizer (1A to 1H) highly efficient at sterilization and small in size and simple in structure.

[0129] Furthermore, if the air flow sterilizer further includes a cone-shaped member 21d (cone-shaped protrusion) and, if necessary, is configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the sterilization chamber 35 in the sub-axial direction gradually decreases from the air inlet section 2 toward the air outlet section 4, an even smaller and simpler structure can be achieved.

[0130] [Embodiment 9] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an airflow sterilizer 1I according to the ninth embodiment. The air flow sterilizer 1I of embodiment 9 is basically the same as the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1, but differs in that multiple perforated plates 6 are stacked, and the stacked multiple perforated plates 6 are configured so that at least some of the openings 65 and non-openings 66 overlap (overlap).

[0131] The following description will be given using the drawings. The airflow sterilizer 1I shown in FIG. 15 uses two perforated plates (61, 62). Each plate has an opening 65 and a non-opening 66 (the opening 65 is circular). In both perforated plates 61 and 62, the diameter L65 of the opening 65 (opening diameter) is smaller than the distance L67 between adjacent openings 65 (non-openings 66). The perforated plates 61 and 62 are arranged so that the non-openings 66 of the perforated plate 62 are visible below the opening 65 of the perforated plate 61 when viewed from above, and the openings 65 of the perforated plate 61 and the non-openings 66 of the perforated plate 62 overlap (overlapping in the vertical direction). A gap 67 is provided between the perforated plates 61 and 62 to allow air to pass from below to above. At least the upper surfaces of the perforated plates 61 and 62 are reflectively finished.

[0132] The upper side of the perforated plate 61 is the sterilization chamber 35, in which the light-emitting element 5 is disposed and which irradiates ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 5 is reflected by the non-opening portion 66 of the perforated plate 61. The ultraviolet light that enters the opening portion 65 of the perforated plate 61 is reflected by the non-opening portion 66 of the perforated plate 62.

[0133] While the case where the perforated plates (61, 62) are provided on the air inlet 2 side of the sterilization chamber 35 has been described using FIG. 15 , the same applies when the perforated plates (61, 62) are provided on the air outlet 4 side of the sterilization chamber 35. Furthermore, the shape of the openings 65 is not limited to a circle, but may be a square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or the like. The shapes of the openings 65 (non-openings 66) of the perforated plates 61, 62 may be different. The overlap between the openings 65 of the perforated plate 61 and the non-openings 66 of the perforated plate 62 may not be a complete overlap, but may be a partial overlap. The number of perforated plates (61, 62) is not limited to two, but may be three or more. When the perforated plates 6 are stacked, two to three are preferable, taking into consideration the air flow. Furthermore, the diameter L65 (opening diameter) and the distance L67 between adjacent openings 65 of the multiple perforated plates (61, 62) may be the same, or may be different. In other respects than those mentioned above, the aspects described in the first embodiment are also applied to the ninth embodiment.

[0134] [Effects of the 9th embodiment] In the airflow sterilizer 1I according to the ninth embodiment, a plurality of perforated plates 6 are stacked, and the stacked perforated plates 6 are configured so that at least some of the openings 65 and non-openings 66 overlap (overlap), so that ultraviolet light entering the openings 65 of one perforated plate is reflected by the non-openings 66 of the other perforated plates. This makes it possible to suppress the escape of ultraviolet light from the openings 65, thereby achieving more efficient sterilization. The air flow sterilizer 1I of embodiment 9 is similar to the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1 except that multiple porous plates are arranged in an overlapping manner, and therefore has the corresponding effects of the air flow sterilizer 1A of embodiment 1.

[0135] [Embodiment 10] Embodiment 10 is an embodiment of an air sterilization system using an airflow sterilizer 1A (not shown). The air sterilization system includes the airflow sterilizer 1A and an air guide that guides sterilized air flowing out from the airflow sterilizer 1A. The airflow sterilizer 1A is installed, for example, on a circular, square, or other dining table, a conference table, a desk where a doctor and patient face each other, or on the floor nearby. The airflow sterilizer 1A may be installed in the orientation shown in FIG. 2 or horizontally. The sterilized air (air) flowing upward from the air outlet 4 of the airflow sterilizer 1A is blown to a desired location by an air guide such as a parasol or umbrella with a guide surface facing downward, or an air duct that blows out the sterilized air (air).

[0136] [Effects of the 10th embodiment] With the above air sterilization system, for example, exhaled air from a sick person is sucked in through the air inlet 2 of the airflow sterilizer 1A, sterilized in the sterilization chamber 35, and released upward from the air outlet 4 after being sterilized, while being guided to a predetermined location by the air guide. Therefore, at least one of the following (1) to (3) is possible: (1) when eating with multiple people, eating in a clean environment reduces the risk of infection; (2) when holding a meeting, the risk of infection can be reduced; and (3) in medical settings, when a doctor (healthcare worker) and a patient are face-to-face during treatment, bacteria and viruses exhaled from the patient can be sucked in and sterilized on the spot, and sterilized clean air can be continuously blown around the doctor to ensure the doctor's safety.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0138] (1) In the first embodiment, the tube 30 (the cylindrical sterilizing section 3, the sterilizing chamber 35) has a cylindrical shape (a cylinder with a perfectly circular cross section in the minor axis direction), but the shape of the tube 30 is not limited to this cylindrical shape. For example, the cross section in the minor axis direction may be a polygonal shape such as an ellipse, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, or hexagon.

[0139] (2) In the first embodiment, the bottom void layer inlet 21e is provided on the side surface of the cylindrical air inlet section 2. However, the location where the bottom void layer inlet 21e is provided is not limited to the side surface. For example, the bottom void layer inlet 21e may be provided in a distributed manner on the side surface and the bottom surface.

[0140] (3) In the above embodiment 1, the air inlet section 2 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter that is approximately the same in the vertical direction, and multiple layered bottom void layer inlets 21e are provided on the side surface (see Figure 4, etc.). However, the cylindrical shape may have a diameter that changes, for example, being larger at the bottom and gradually smaller toward the top, or being smaller at the bottom and gradually larger toward the top, and multiple layered bottom void layer inlets 21e may be provided on the side surface.

[0141] (4) In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, a porous material (such as a sponge) may be used in place of the fixed flow straightening action of the perforated plate 6 (the action of averaging the speed of the air exiting the vertical gap layer outlets 21f into the sterilization chamber 35).

[0142] (5) In the first embodiment, a plurality of linear light emitting elements 5 are arranged to intersect with each other, but only one linear light emitting element 5 may be arranged in the minor axis direction. Furthermore, a plurality of linear light emitting elements 5 may be arranged in the same direction. In this case, they may be arranged at different installation heights or at the same installation height (for example, arranged in parallel).

[0143] (6) In the above embodiments 1 to 6, the shape of the light-emitting element 5 is linear or annular, but the shape may also be spiral. However, the spiral shape can generally be classified into linear, annular, or linear and annular.

[0144] (7) The airflow sterilizers (1A to 1I) of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 9 may be used alone, or may be used as modules or sterilization units that are incorporated into air conditioning systems or into the walls, floors, ceilings, windows, etc. of houses. It may be used in the position shown in FIG. 2, but it may also be used upside down or on its side.

[0145] (8) In the airflow sterilizers (1A-1I) of the above-mentioned embodiments 1-9, the term "gas" may be used instead of the term "air." This "gas" refers to general gases such as air, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Alternatively, the term "liquid" may be used instead of the term "air." This "liquid" refers to general liquids such as water and oil. Alternatively, the term "fluid" may be used instead of the term "air." This "fluid" refers to general fluids including the above-mentioned "gas" and "liquid." [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I...Air flow sterilization device, 2...Air inlet section, 3...Cylindrical sterilization section, 4...Air outlet section, 5...Light emitting element, 6, 61, 62...Perforated plate, 21...Void layer, 21a...Vertical void layer, 21b...Bottom void layer, 21c...Communicating section, 21d...Conical member, 21e...Bottom void layer inlet, 21f...Vertical void layer outlet, 21g...Spacer, 21i...Outer inner wall of void layer, 21r...R forming section, w...Gap width, 121S1...Bottom void layer inlet area, 21S2...Vertical void layer outlet area, 21z...Air inlet section constituent material, 30...tube, 31...light reflecting portion, 35...sterilization chamber, 35i...sterilization chamber wall, 131...inlet, 132...outlet, 134...flow tube, 135...partition wall, 136...dead water area, 41...exhaust stack, 43...fan, 43k...fan mounting fixture, 51...electrical connector, 52...wiring, 53...gripping device, 54...fixing member, 55...fixing anchor, 56...LED mounting board, 57...control device, 6...perforated plate, 65...opening, 66...non-opening, 71...frame, 72...reinforcing column, air...air, UV...ultraviolet light, L1...outer diameter of air inlet portion, L2, L3...diameter of sterilization chamber

Claims

1. a cylindrical sterilizing section that forms a sterilizing chamber extending in the direction of the main axis of air flow; a light-emitting element provided in the sterilization chamber and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the air flowing through the sterilization chamber; an air inlet section provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilization section for introducing air into the sterilization chamber; an air outlet portion provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilization portion to allow air to flow out of the sterilization chamber; Equipped with The air inlet section is The sterilization chamber has a plurality of laminar void layers formed mainly of a plurality of concentric vertical void layers extending in the main axis direction and a bottom void layer communicating with each of the vertical void layers and extending in the sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, and the plurality of void layers are configured so that air in the bottom void layer flows into the sterilization chamber at a constant speed through the vertical void layers. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

2. 2. The airflow sterilizer of claim 1, The outer diameter of the cross section in the minor axis direction at a location where the bottom gap layer of the air inlet portion is located is The diameter of the sterilization chamber is larger than the inner diameter of the section of the minor axis at the point where the air flows in from the air inlet. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

3. 2. The airflow sterilizer of claim 1, The plurality of void layers are configured so that the ratio of the area of ​​the bottom void layer inlet to the area of ​​the vertical void layer outlet is within a predetermined range. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

4. 4. The airflow sterilizer of claim 3, The bottom gap layer is configured so that the gap width is constant or gradually narrows from the bottom gap layer inlet toward the communicating portion between the bottom gap layer and the vertical gap layer. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

5. 2. The airflow sterilizer of claim 1, The vertical gap layer is configured so that the gap width does not change. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

6. 5. The airflow sterilizer of claim 4, The central concentric void layer is provided with a cone-shaped member at the communicating portion, the apex of which is in the direction of the outlet of the vertical void layer. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

7. 2. The airflow sterilizer of claim 1, The sterilization chamber is configured such that the cross-sectional area in the minor axis direction does not change along the major axis direction or gradually decreases from the air inlet toward the air outlet. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

8. 2. The airflow sterilizer of claim 1, The sterilization chamber further includes a perforated plate disposed near the air inlet or the air outlet of the sterilization chamber, The perforated plate is configured so that at least the surface facing the inside of the sterilization chamber is reflective. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

9. 9. The airflow sterilizer of claim 8, A plurality of the perforated plates are stacked, and the stacked perforated plates are configured such that at least some of the openings and non-openings overlap. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

10. 2. The airflow sterilizer of claim 1, The light-emitting element has a linear or annular shape. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

11. 11. The airflow sterilizer of claim 10, The light emitting element is arranged so that the linear direction, if the light emitting element has a linear shape, or the normal direction of the surface surrounded by the ring, if the light emitting element has a ring shape, is the major axis direction, the minor axis direction, or an intermediate direction between them. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

12. 11. The airflow sterilizer of claim 10, A plurality of linear light emitting elements are used as the light emitting elements, and the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged so as to intersect when viewed from the main axis direction. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

13. a cylindrical sterilizing section that forms a sterilizing chamber extending in the direction of the main axis of air flow; a light-emitting element provided in the sterilization chamber and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the air flowing through the sterilization chamber; an air inlet section provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilization section for introducing air into the sterilization chamber; an air outlet portion provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilization portion to allow air to flow out of the sterilization chamber; Equipped with The air inlet section is a gap layer having as its main components a vertical gap layer extending in the main axis direction, a bottom gap layer communicating with each of the vertical gap layers and extending in a sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, and a cone-shaped member provided in the center so as to have an apex in the direction of the other side, and configured so that air in the bottom gap layer is guided by the cone-shaped member and flows into the sterilization chamber through the vertical gap layer, The sterilization chamber is configured such that the cross-sectional area in the minor axis direction gradually decreases from the air inlet toward the air outlet. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

14. 14. The airflow sterilizer of claim 13, The outer inner wall of the gap layer and the inner wall of the sterilization chamber are configured so that the direction gradually changes from the minor axis direction to the major axis direction near the connection between the gap layer and the sterilization chamber. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

15. 14. The airflow sterilizer of claim 13, The cone-shaped member is configured to protrude into the sterilization chamber so that the apex is located inside the sterilization chamber. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

16. 14. The airflow sterilizer of claim 13, The light-emitting elements are LED elements, and the LED elements are arranged along the inner wall of the sterilization chamber. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

17. 14. The airflow sterilizer of claim 13, A linear light emitting element is used as the light emitting element, and the linear light emitting element is arranged along the main axis direction. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

18. a cylindrical sterilizing section that forms a sterilizing chamber extending in the direction of the main axis of air flow; a light-emitting element provided in the sterilization chamber and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the air flowing through the sterilization chamber; an air inlet section provided on one side of the cylindrical sterilization section for introducing air into the sterilization chamber; an air outlet portion provided on the other side of the cylindrical sterilization portion to allow air to flow out of the sterilization chamber; Equipped with The air inlet section is The sterilization chamber has a void layer whose main components are vertical void layers extending in the main axis direction and bottom void layers communicating with the vertical void layers and extending in the sub-axis direction perpendicular to the main axis, and the void layer is configured so that air in the bottom void layer flows into the sterilization chamber through the vertical void layers. An airflow sterilizer characterized by:

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