Air shower device and its operating method

Abstract

To provide an air shower device capable of preventing dispersion of active viruses.SOLUTION: An air shower device includes: a booth having a light source capable of irradiating a person entering a room with ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of which peak is in a range of 200 nm or more and 240 nm or less; an air blowing unit for blowing air to the booth; and a control section controlling the light source and the air blowing unit. The control section controls the light source to start irradiation of ultraviolet rays to a person when receiving a detection signal indicating that the person entered the room, and controls the air blowing unit to blow out air with predetermined air quantity after elapse of a first time from the irradiation of ultraviolet rays.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air shower apparatus and a method for operating the air shower apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In clean rooms where the number of particles or microorganisms floating in the air is controlled to be below a certain level, an air shower device is installed at the entrance to the clean room. Anyone entering the room first blows off particles or microorganisms adhering to their clothing in the air shower device before entering the clean room. This maintains the cleanliness of the clean room at a certain level (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza or the new coronavirus, there has been an increasing number of cases where air shower devices are installed not only in clean rooms but also at entrances to buildings such as houses (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-163108 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-112813 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, from the perspective of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, simply blowing away viruses with an air shower device is not enough. This is because there is a possibility that live viruses may enter the building through the air shower device. Therefore, in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is necessary not only to inactivate or kill viruses with the air shower device, but also to operate the air shower device in a way that does not spread live viruses when the air is blown out.

[0006] In view of the above problems, one object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an air shower apparatus that can prevent the spread of live viruses. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an air shower apparatus that can prevent the spread of live viruses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An air shower device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a booth including a light source capable of irradiating people entering the booth with ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 240 nm, a blower unit that blows air into the booth, and a control unit that controls the light source and the blower unit. After receiving a detection signal that a person has entered the booth, the control unit controls the light source to begin irradiating the person with ultraviolet rays, and after a first time has elapsed since the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays, controls the blower unit to blow out air at a predetermined volume.

[0008] The control unit may control the light source to stop irradiating the person with ultraviolet light before controlling the blower unit.

[0009] The control unit may further control the light source to start irradiating ultraviolet light into the booth after receiving a detection signal that a person has left the booth, and may control the light source to stop irradiating ultraviolet light into the booth after a second time has elapsed since the irradiation of ultraviolet light.

[0010] A method for operating an air shower apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for operating an air shower apparatus including a booth including a light source capable of irradiating a person entering the booth with ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 240 nm, and an air blowing unit for blowing air into the booth, in which irradiation of ultraviolet rays to a person entering the booth is started, and after a predetermined time has passed since the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, air is blown into the booth from the air blowing unit at a predetermined air volume.

[0011] After the first period of time has elapsed, irradiation with ultraviolet light may be stopped.

[0012] Furthermore, irradiation of the booth with ultraviolet rays may be started after a person has left the booth, and irradiation of the booth with ultraviolet rays may be stopped after a second time period has elapsed since the start of irradiation of the ultraviolet rays.

[0013] At least one of the first time period and the second time period may be equal to or greater than 0.1 (seconds) and equal to or less than 900 (seconds).

[0014] The predetermined air volume may be greater than the volume of air circulated when no one is in the booth. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The air shower device and operating method according to one embodiment of the present invention can inactivate or kill viruses before air is blown out, thereby preventing the spread of live viruses and the spread of infectious diseases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of an air shower apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inside of an air shower apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an air blowing unit of the air shower apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the air shower apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an air shower apparatus according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inside of an air shower apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an air blowing unit of the air shower apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inside of an air shower apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are merely examples, and any embodiment that a person skilled in the art could easily come up with by appropriately modifying the embodiment while maintaining the gist of the invention is naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in order to clarify the explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment. However, the illustrated shapes are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0018] In this specification, for the sake of convenience, the terms "above" or "upper" or "below" or "lower" are used in the description, but these terms merely describe the hierarchical relationship of each component. For example, when a structure is installed, the side of the installation surface on which the structure is normally installed is referred to as "lower" or "lower."

[0019] In this specification, the letters "first," "second," or "third" attached to each component are convenient labels used to distinguish each component, and have no other meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0020] In this specification and drawings, the same reference numeral is used to collectively represent multiple identical or similar components, and capital letters may be added to distinguish between these multiple components. Furthermore, a hyphen and a natural number may be used to distinguish between multiple parts of a single component.

[0021] First Embodiment An air shower device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] [1. Configuration of the air shower device 10] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating the exterior and interior, respectively, of an air shower apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air shower apparatus 10 includes a booth 100, a blower unit 200, a duct 300, and a control unit 400.

[0023] The booth 100 has a box shape surrounded by a floor, a ceiling, and four side walls. As shown in FIG. 1, the booth 100 has a door 110 on one of the four side walls (a first side wall) through which people can enter and exit. Therefore, a user enters through the door 110, has air blown onto the inside of the booth 100, and then exits through the door 110. By blowing air into the booth 100, fine particles or viruses attached to the user's hair, clothing, shoes, etc. can be removed. The door 110 may be translucent so that it can be seen from the outside. For example, an acrylic plate can be used as the door 110.

[0024] The two adjacent side walls of the air shower apparatus 10 do not necessarily have to be connected with a corner. The two side walls may be connected continuously while being curved. Therefore, the shape of the booth 100 is not limited to a box shape. The booth 100 may also be cylindrical or elliptical.

[0025] As a modified example of the air shower apparatus 10, doors 110 may be provided on two side walls (a first side wall and a third side wall facing the first side wall) of the booth 100. In this case, users can enter through the door 110 provided on the first side wall and exit through the door 110 provided on the second side wall.

[0026] The interior of the booth 100 has a space that can accommodate one person, but is not limited to this. The interior of the booth 100 may have a space that can accommodate multiple people.

[0027] 2, the ceiling of the booth 100 is provided so as to be in communication with the outlet of an air outlet of a blower unit 200, which will be described later. Air blown from the blower unit 200 is blown into the booth 100 through the air outlet.

[0028] 2, a grating 120 is provided on the floor of the booth 100. The air blown into the booth 100 from the blower unit 200 is discharged from the grating 120 together with the removed fine particles or viruses.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, a sensor 130 is installed on a side wall of the booth 100. The sensor 130 can detect a person inside the booth 100. For example, an infrared sensor can be used as the sensor 130. The installation position of the sensor 130 is not limited to the side wall. The sensor 130 may also be installed on the ceiling or floor.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of first light sources 140 are installed on the sidewall of the booth 100. The first light sources 140 can irradiate ultraviolet light toward people inside the booth 100. By irradiating ultraviolet light from the first light sources 140 toward people, viruses attached to the person's clothing or blown off the person's clothing can be inactivated. The ultraviolet light irradiated from the first light sources 140 preferably has a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 240 nm. Ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 240 nm is safe for people and can inactivate viruses. For example, an ultraviolet LED can be used as the first light source 140.

[0031] The location where the first light source 140 is installed is not limited to the side wall of the booth 100. The first light source 140 may be installed on the ceiling. The first light source 140 may also be embedded in the side wall or ceiling of the booth 100.

[0032] The blower unit 200 is disposed above the ceiling of the booth 100. In other words, the blower unit 200 is disposed adjacent to the ceiling of the booth 100. The blower unit 200 can blow air into the booth 100 or circulate air within the booth 100. The configuration of the blower unit 200 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The duct 300 is disposed to the side of the side wall of the booth 100. The duct 300 is disposed adjacent to the side wall of the booth 100 and is connected to the booth 100 and the blower unit 200. Specifically, one end of the duct 300 is connected to the space below the grating 120, and the other end of the duct 300 is connected to an opening of the blower unit 200. The duct 300 is a pipe for returning air discharged from the booth 100 to the blower unit 200. In other words, the air inside the booth 100 is discharged from the grating 120 provided on the floor of the booth 100 and is supplied again to the blower unit 200 through the duct 300.

[0034] As a modification of the air shower apparatus 10, the air shower apparatus 10 may not include the duct 300. In this case, the air shower apparatus 10 is used by being connected to piping installed in a building, for example. That is, the air inside the booth 100 is circulated through external piping.

[0035] The control unit 400 is a computer capable of performing arithmetic processing using data or information. The control unit 400 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor (MPU), or a random access memory (RAM). Specifically, the control unit 400 executes a program, receives a detection signal from the sensor 130, and controls the air blower unit 200. The control unit 400 can be arranged in a control box-like configuration on the ceiling, floor, or sidewall of the booth 100, but is not limited to this.

[0036] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the air blower unit 200 of the air shower apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the air blower unit 200 includes an air cleaning filter 210, a second light source 220, a first air blower fan 230, a second air blower fan 240, an air duct 250, an air outlet 260, and an ionizer 270.

[0037] The air purifying filter 210 includes filter fibers and can capture fine particles or viruses removed within the booth 100 using the filter fibers. That is, the circulating air is purified by passing through the air purifying filter 210. For example, a HEPA filter or an ULPA filter can be used as the air purifying filter 210. The air purifying filter 210 may also be a sterilizing air purifying filter in which an enzyme is immobilized on the filter fibers. In this case, the viruses captured on the filter fibers are decomposed by the enzyme. That is, the viruses can be killed. The air purifying filter 210 may also be equipped with a photocatalytic panel.

[0038] The second light source 220 can irradiate the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light. Irradiating the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light from the second light source 220 can inactivate viruses trapped in the filter fibers of the air cleaning filter 210. The inactivation of viruses occurs because the viruses are damaged by the ultraviolet light. Furthermore, if a photocatalytic panel is installed on the air cleaning filter 210, the photocatalyst can be activated by irradiating the photocatalyst panel with ultraviolet light as well, thereby purifying (e.g., deodorizing) the air passing through the air cleaning filter 210. For example, an ultraviolet LED or the like can be used as the second light source 220.

[0039] The ultraviolet light emitted from the second light source 220 is preferably UV-C, having a peak wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm. Among ultraviolet light types, UV-C is highly effective in inactivating viruses captured in filter fibers. Furthermore, when a photocatalytic panel is installed in the air cleaning filter 210, the ultraviolet light emitted from the second light source 220 is preferably UV-A, having a peak wavelength in the range of 315 nm to 400 nm. Among ultraviolet light types, UV-A is highly effective in activating photocatalysts.

[0040] The second light source 220 only needs to include at least one of an ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-C and an ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-A, and may include both an ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-C and an ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-A. When the second light source 220 includes both an ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-C and an ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-A, the ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-C and the ultraviolet LED that irradiates UV-A may be installed in different positions.

[0041] The second light source 220 may always irradiate the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light, or may be controlled by the control unit 400. For example, the control unit 400 may cause the second light source 220 to irradiate the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light when a person is present in the booth 100. Furthermore, the control unit 400 may cause the second light source 220 to irradiate the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light when the second blower fan 240 is operating.

[0042] The first blower fan 230 operates when a person is present in the booth 100, and can blow a large volume of air into the booth 100. In other words, the first blower fan 230 can circulate air at a volume that can blow away fine particles or viruses attached to the hair, clothing, shoes, etc. of people in the booth 100. The timing and duration of operation of the first blower fan 230 are controlled by the control unit 400.

[0043] The second blower fan 240 operates when no one is present in the booth 100, thereby circulating air within the booth 100. The second blower fan 240 is smaller than the first blower fan 230, and the air volume of the second blower fan 240 is smaller than the air volume of the first blower fan 230. Therefore, the second blower fan 240 can constantly circulate air within the booth 100. However, the operation of the second blower fan 240 is not limited to this. The second blower fan 240 may be stopped when no one is present in the booth 100, or may be stopped together with the first blower fan 230 when a person is present in the booth 100. For example, when a person is present in the booth 100, the first blower fan 230 and the second blower fan 240 may be stopped while ultraviolet light is being irradiated from the first light source 140 toward the person.

[0044] The air duct 250 can blow air purified by the air purification filter 210 into the booth 100. That is, the inlet of the air duct 250 is provided on the outlet side of the first blower fan 230 and the second blower fan 240, and the outlet of the air duct 250 is connected to an outlet 260 that communicates with the booth 100. The air blown out from the first blower fan 230 or the second blower fan 240 passes through the air duct 250 and is blown out from the outlet 260.

[0045] The air outlet 260 is connected to the outlet of the air duct 250, and has an opening on the booth 100 side with a diameter smaller than that of the air duct 250. The air that has passed through the air duct 250 is constricted by the opening of the air outlet 260 and blown out into the booth 100.

[0046] The ionizer 270 is installed near the air outlet 260 and can neutralize the static electricity from the air blown out from the air outlet 260. As a result, neutralized air is blown into the booth 100, preventing the reattachment of fine particles or viruses due to static electricity. The number of ionizers 270 is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the ionizer 270 is installed near at least one of the multiple air outlets 260.

[0047] Here, we will explain the air flow inside the blower unit 200. The arrows in Fig. 3 indicate the air flow.

[0048] The air that has passed through the duct 300 first passes through the air purification filter 210. The space on the inlet side of the air purification filter 210 is separated from the space on the outlet side, and the air purified by the air purification filter 210 is not mixed with the air before purification. In addition, a second light source 220 is disposed on the inlet side of the air purification filter 210, and the viruses captured by the air purification filter 210 are inactivated by ultraviolet light emitted from the second light source 220. Therefore, the purified air is air in which the amount of live viruses has been reduced.

[0049] The air purification filter 210 is disposed on the intake side of the first blower fan 230 and the second blower fan 240. Therefore, purified air enters the intake port of the first blower fan 230 or the second blower fan 240 and is blown out from the outlet. The air blown out from the outlet of the first blower fan 230 or the second blower fan 240 passes through the air duct 250 and is blown out from the outlet 260 into the booth 100.

[0050] [2. Operation method of the air shower device 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 includes steps S100 to S500.

[0051] In step S100, the sensor 130 detects a person entering the booth 100. A detection signal from the sensor 130 is sent to the control unit 400. In response to this, the control unit 400 controls each component of the air shower device 10 to execute steps S200 to S500.

[0052] In step S200, the control unit 400 transmits a control signal to irradiate ultraviolet light to the first light source 140. As a result, the first light source 140 starts irradiating the people in the booth 100 with ultraviolet light.

[0053] In step S300, the control unit 400 transmits a control signal to the first light source 140 to stop emitting ultraviolet light after a predetermined time has elapsed. This causes the first light source 140 to stop emitting ultraviolet light to the people in the booth 100. The predetermined time is not less than 0.1 seconds and not more than 900 seconds, and preferably not less than 0.1 seconds and not more than 180 seconds. Irradiating ultraviolet light for this time is sufficient to inactivate viruses.

[0054] In step S400, the control unit 400 transmits a control signal to start the operation of the first blower fan 230. This causes air to be blown into the booth 100 from the blower unit 200, blowing away any fine particles or viruses attached to the clothing of people in the booth 100. Note that the viruses blown away in step S400 are those that have been inactivated by the execution of step S300. Therefore, even when step S400 is executed, the viruses blown away are inactivated or dead, and the spread of live viruses is suppressed.

[0055] In step S500, the control unit 400 transmits a control signal to stop the operation of the first blower fan 230. This causes the blowing of air from the blower unit 200 into the booth 100 to stop.

[0056] In the method of operating air shower apparatus 10 described above, second blower fan 240 is constantly operating. That is, second blower fan 240 is also operating in step S200. However, the operation of second blower fan 240 is not limited to this. As a variation of the method of operating air shower apparatus 10, second blower fan 240 may be stopped together with first blower fan 230 in step S200. In this case, air is not circulated within booth 100, preventing the scattering of particles or viruses attached to people's clothing, etc., and allowing ultraviolet light emitted from first light source 140 to effectively inactivate viruses.

[0057] As another variation of the method for operating the air shower apparatus 10, step S300 may be performed after step S400. In this case, step S400 is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S200 was performed. In this variation, in step S400, air is blown onto the person in the booth 100 while irradiating them with ultraviolet light. However, the viruses blown away in step S400 are inactivated viruses because ultraviolet light has already been irradiated for a predetermined time before step S400 was performed. Therefore, even when step S400 is performed, the viruses blown away are inactivated or dead, and the spread of live viruses is suppressed.

[0058] As described above, according to the method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 of one embodiment of the present invention, people in the booth 100 are irradiated with ultraviolet light that is safe for people for a predetermined period of time, thereby inactivating or killing viruses that have previously adhered to the person's clothing, etc. As a result, even when air is blown into the booth 100 from the air blowing unit 200, the viruses that are blown away are inactivated or killed, and the spread of live viruses is suppressed. Therefore, by installing the air shower apparatus 10 at the entrances and exits of a building, the number of viruses that enter the building can be reduced, and the spread of infectious diseases within the building can be prevented.

[0059] Furthermore, the air shower device 10 can not only capture particles or viruses, but also inactivate or kill the captured viruses by irradiating the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light from the second light source 220.

[0060] <Modification> Another modified example of the method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 5. Note that if the modified method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 is similar to the method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 described above, the description of the modified method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 may be omitted.

[0061] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 according to a modified example of the present invention. The method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 according to the modified example includes steps S100 to S800.

[0062] In step S600, sensor 130 detects that a person has left the booth. A detection signal from the sensor is sent to control unit 400. In response, control unit 400 controls each component of air shower apparatus 10 to execute steps S700 and S800.

[0063] In step S700, the control unit 400 transmits a control signal to the first light source 140 to irradiate ultraviolet light. As a result, the first light source 140 starts irradiating the inside of the booth 100 with ultraviolet light. By executing step S700, viruses remaining in the booth 100 can be inactivated even after people have left the booth 100.

[0064] In step S800, the control unit 400 transmits a control signal to the first light source 140 to stop emitting ultraviolet light after a predetermined time has elapsed, causing the first light source 140 to stop emitting ultraviolet light into the booth. The predetermined time is from 0.1 to 900 seconds, and preferably from 0.1 to 180 seconds. Irradiating ultraviolet light for this period of time is sufficient to inactivate viruses.

[0065] When steps S700 and S800 are performed, first blower fan 230 or second blower fan 240 may be operating. By circulating or blowing air, viruses adhering inside booth 100 are suspended, and the viruses can be efficiently inactivated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

[0066] As described above, according to the method of operating the air shower apparatus 10 of the modified example of the present invention, ultraviolet light is irradiated into the booth 100 after people have left the booth, thereby inactivating or killing any viruses remaining in the booth 100. This further reduces the spread of live viruses.

[0067] Second Embodiment The method of operating an air shower apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to application to the air shower apparatus 10. An air shower apparatus 10A, which is different from the air shower apparatus 10, will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the following, when the configuration of the air shower apparatus 10A is the same as that of the air shower apparatus 10, the description of the configuration of the air shower apparatus 10A may be omitted.

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an air shower apparatus 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the air shower apparatus 10A includes a booth 100A, a blower unit 200A, a duct 300, and a control unit 400. In the air shower apparatus 10A, the blower unit 200A is disposed above the ceiling of the booth 100A.

[0069] 6, a plurality of first light sources 140 are installed on the side wall of the booth 100A. Furthermore, an air inlet 150A is provided below the side wall of the booth 100A. The air blown into the booth 100A from the air blowing unit 200A is discharged from the air inlet 150A together with the removed particles or viruses. That is, the air inlet 150A is connected to one end of the duct 300. Note that the air inlet 150A may be provided with a filter so as to capture particles larger than those captured by the air cleaning filter 210.

[0070] 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a blower unit 200A of an air shower apparatus 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the blower unit 200A includes an air cleaning filter 210, a second light source 220, a first blower fan 230, a second blower fan 240, an air outlet 260A, and an ionizer 270.

[0071] In the blower unit 200A, an air cleaning filter 210 and a second light source 220 are arranged on each of the first blower fan 230 and the second blower fan 240.

[0072] Here, the flow of air inside the blower unit 200A will be described. The arrows in Fig. 7 indicate the flow of air.

[0073] The air that has passed through duct 300 first passes through first blower fan 230 or second blower fan 240. That is, the air that has passed through duct 300 enters through the intake port of first blower fan 230 or second blower fan 240 and is blown out through the outlet of first blower fan 230 or second blower fan 240.

[0074] The air purification filter 210 is disposed on the outlet side of the first blower fan 230 or the second blower fan 240, and air blown out from the outlet of the first blower fan 230 or the second blower fan 240 passes through the air purification filter 210. The space on the inlet side of the air purification filter 210 is separated from the space on the outlet side, and the air purified by the air purification filter 210 is not mixed with the air before purification. In addition, the second light source 220 is disposed on the outlet side of the air purification filter 210, and viruses captured by the air purification filter 210 are inactivated by ultraviolet light emitted from the second light source 220. Therefore, the purified air is air in which the amount of live viruses has been reduced.

[0075] The air purified by the air cleaning filter 210 is blown out from the air outlet 260A into the booth 100A.

[0076] As described above, the air shower apparatus 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention has the first light source 140 installed in the booth 100A. Therefore, people in the booth 100A can be irradiated with ultraviolet light that is safe for people for a predetermined period of time, thereby inactivating or killing viruses that have already adhered to the person's clothing. As a result, even when air is blown into the booth 100A from the air blowing unit 200A, the viruses blown away are inactivated or killed, thereby suppressing the spread of live viruses. Therefore, by installing the air shower apparatus 10A at the entrances and exits of a building, the number of viruses entering the building can be reduced, preventing the spread of infectious diseases within the building.

[0077] Furthermore, the air shower device 10A can not only capture particles or viruses, but also inactivate or kill the captured viruses by irradiating the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light from the second light source 220. Third Embodiment The method of operating an air shower apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to application to air shower apparatus 10 and air shower apparatus 10A. Referring to Fig. 8, an air shower apparatus 10B, which is different from air shower apparatus 10 and air shower apparatus 10A, will be described. Note that, in the following, when the configuration of air shower apparatus 10B is the same as that of air shower apparatus 10 or air shower apparatus 10A, the description of the configuration of air shower apparatus 10B may be omitted.

[0078] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an air shower apparatus 10B according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the air shower apparatus 10B includes a booth 100B, a blower unit 200B, and a control unit 400. In the air shower apparatus 10B, the blower unit 200B is disposed adjacent to a second side wall of the booth 100B, which is different from the first side wall on which the door 110 is provided.

[0079] 8, a plurality of first light sources 140 are installed on the side walls and ceiling of the booth 100B. The air blowing unit 200B further includes an air cleaning filter 210, a second light source 220, a first air blowing fan 230B, an air outlet 260B, and an ionizer 270.

[0080] The first blower fan 230B includes a pole-change motor, allowing the fan's rotation speed to be adjusted. In other words, the first blower fan 230B can adjust the airflow. Therefore, the first blower fan 230B can increase the airflow when a person is present in the booth 100B and decrease the airflow when no person is present in the booth 100B. That is, when a person is present in the booth 100B, the first blower fan 230B operates at a first airflow rate that blows away particles and viruses adhering to the person, while normally circulating air at a second airflow rate that is lower than the first airflow rate. Note that the adjustment of the airflow rate of the first blower fan 230B may be controlled by the control unit 400.

[0081] Air shower apparatus 10B is also equipped with first light source 140, but ultraviolet light may be emitted from first light source 140 before a person enters booth 100B and first blower fan 230B operates at the first airflow rate. In other words, ultraviolet light may be emitted from first light source 140 while operating at the second airflow rate.

[0082] The operation of the first blower fan 230B is not limited to the above. The first blower fan 230B may be stopped when no one is in the booth 100B, or may be stopped when a person is in the booth 100B. For example, when a person is in the booth 100B, the first blower fan 230B may be stopped while ultraviolet light is being irradiated from the first light source 140 toward the person.

[0083] Air outlet 260B is provided in the ceiling or side wall of booth 100. Air inlet 150B is provided in the floor of booth 100B. In addition, air inlet 150B is provided below or at the bottom of a second side wall of booth 100B. Air blown from blower unit 200B is blown into booth 100B through air outlet 260B and is discharged from air inlet 150B together with the removed fine particles or viruses. Air inlet 150B may be connected to blower unit 200B directly or via a duct.

[0084] Here, the flow of air inside the blower unit 200B will be described. The arrows in Fig. 8 indicate the flow of air.

[0085] The air discharged from air inlet 150B in the floor passes through an opening provided in the side wall, merges with the air discharged from air inlet 150B in the side wall, and passes through first blower fan 230B. That is, the air discharged from air inlet 150B enters the intake port of first blower fan 230B and is blown out from the outlet port of first blower fan 230B.

[0086] The air purification filter 210 is disposed on the outlet side of the first blower fan 230B, and air blown out from the outlet of the first blower fan 230B passes through the air purification filter 210. The space on the inlet side of the air purification filter 210 is separated from the space on the outlet side, and the air purified by the air purification filter 210 is not mixed with the air before purification. In addition, the second light source 220 is disposed on the outlet side of the air purification filter 210, and viruses captured by the air purification filter 210 are inactivated by ultraviolet light emitted from the second light source 220. Therefore, the purified air is air in which live viruses have been reduced.

[0087] The air purified by the air cleaning filter 210 is blown out from the air outlet 260B into the booth 100B.

[0088] As described above, the air shower apparatus 10B according to one embodiment of the present invention has the first light source 140 installed in the booth 100B. Therefore, people in the booth 100B can be irradiated with ultraviolet light that is safe for people for a predetermined period of time, thereby inactivating or killing viruses that have already adhered to the people's clothing. As a result, even when air is blown into the booth 100B from the air blowing unit 200B, the viruses blown away are inactivated or killed, thereby suppressing the spread of live viruses. Therefore, by installing the air shower apparatus 10B at the entrances and exits of a building, the number of viruses entering the building can be reduced, preventing the spread of infectious diseases within the building.

[0089] Furthermore, the air shower device 10B can not only capture particles or viruses, but also inactivate or kill the captured viruses by irradiating the air cleaning filter 210 with ultraviolet light from the second light source 220.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by appropriately combining configurations as long as they are not mutually contradictory. Furthermore, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes configurations or modifies designs based on the embodiments, or adds or omits processes or modifies conditions, such additions or deletions are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0091] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the above-described embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10, 10A, 10B: air shower device, 100, 100A, 100B: booth, 110: door, 120: grating, 130: sensor, 140: first light source, 150A, 150B: air inlet, 200, 200A, 200B: air blower unit, 210: air cleaning filter, 220: second light source, 230, 230B: first air blower fan, 240: second air blower fan, 250: air duct, 260, 260A, 260B: air outlet, 270: ionizer

Claims

1. a booth including a plurality of light sources capable of irradiating people entering the booth with ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 240 nm; a blower unit including a first blower fan for blowing air into the booth and a second blower fan different from the first blower fan; a control unit that controls the light source and the air blowing unit, The plurality of light sources are installed at intervals on a side wall of the booth, the first blower fan blows a larger amount of air than the second blower fan that circulates air in the booth when the person is not in the booth; The control unit after receiving a detection signal indicating that the person has entered the room, the control unit controls the light source to stop blowing air from the second blower fan and start irradiating the person with ultraviolet light; the air shower device controls the first blower fan to blow out the air at a predetermined volume after a first time has elapsed since the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays.

2. 2. The air shower apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light source to stop irradiating the person with the ultraviolet light before controlling the first blower fan.

3. The control unit further after receiving a detection signal indicating that the person has left the booth, controlling the second blower fan to steadily circulate the air in the booth, and controlling the light source to start irradiating the booth with ultraviolet light; 3. The air shower apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is controlled to stop irradiating the interior of the booth with the ultraviolet light after a second time period has elapsed since the start of the irradiation.

4. 4. The air shower apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first time period and the second time period is equal to or greater than 0.1 seconds and equal to or less than 900 seconds.

5. A method for operating an air shower device including a booth including a plurality of light sources capable of irradiating a person entering the booth with ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 240 nm, and an air blowing unit including a first air blowing fan for blowing air into the booth and a second air blowing fan different from the first air blowing fan, stopping the air blowing from the second blower fan and starting the irradiation of ultraviolet rays to a person who has entered the booth; blowing the air from the first blower fan into the booth at a predetermined air volume after a first time period has elapsed since the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays; the first blower fan blows a larger amount of air than the second blower fan that circulates air in the booth when the person is not in the booth; A method for operating an air shower apparatus, wherein the plurality of light sources are installed at intervals on a side wall of the booth.

6. 6. The method for operating an air shower apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the irradiation of the ultraviolet light is stopped after the first time period has elapsed.

7. moreover, After the person leaves the booth, the second blower fan is controlled to steadily circulate the air in the booth, and irradiation of the ultraviolet light into the booth is started.

7. The method for operating an air shower apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the irradiation of the ultraviolet light into the booth is stopped after a second time period has elapsed since the irradiation of the ultraviolet light.

8. 8. The method for operating an air shower apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first time period and the second time period is equal to or greater than 0.1 seconds and equal to or less than 900 seconds.

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