Air conditioning system
The air conditioner uses a single irradiation unit with reflective surfaces to expand the UV irradiation area, reducing unit count and maintaining uniform sterilization across components, addressing high-cost issues in existing systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-20
Smart Images

Figure 0007862740000001 
Figure 0007862740000002 
Figure 0007862740000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioner.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner having a UV irradiator that irradiates ultraviolet rays. Inside the casing of the air conditioner, a plurality (three) of UV irradiators are provided. By irradiating the heat exchanger, which is a component, with ultraviolet rays from each UV irradiator, sterilization of the surface of the heat exchanger is performed.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In Patent Document 1, since a plurality of UV irradiators (irradiation units) are provided to irradiate the entire heat exchanger with ultraviolet rays, the cost increases.
[0005] An object of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of reducing the number of irradiation units that irradiate ultraviolet rays.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] A first aspect targets an air conditioner (10). The air conditioner (10) includes a casing (31) having an air flow path (34) through which air flows, components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) arranged in the air flow path (34), an irradiation unit (61) that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the air flow path (34), and a reflection unit (70) that expands and reflects the incident ultraviolet rays toward the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55).
[0007] In the first embodiment, the irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light toward the air passage (34), thereby sterilizing the air in the air passage (34) with ultraviolet light. After irradiation by the irradiation unit (61), the reflecting unit (70) reflects the incident ultraviolet light toward the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55). This sterilizes the surface of the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55). Here, the reflecting unit (70) expands and reflects the ultraviolet light toward the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55), so the area of the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) that is hit by ultraviolet light (hereinafter also referred to as the irradiation area) becomes larger. As a result, the number of irradiation units (61) can be reduced.
[0008] In the second embodiment, the reflective portion (70) has an arc-shaped convex surface (71, 72, 73) when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to a second direction which is perpendicular to a first direction which is the direction of incidence of ultraviolet light.
[0009] In the second embodiment, the convex surfaces (71, 72, 73) amplify and reflect the ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit (61), thereby expanding the ultraviolet irradiation area.
[0010] The third embodiment is formed in an arc shape when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the second direction and including the perpendicular (91, 92, 93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71, 72, 73).
[0011] In the third embodiment, the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet light reflected from the convex surface (71, 72, 73) is expanded in two directions. In other words, the ultraviolet light reflected from the convex surface (71, 72, 73) spreads radially.
[0012] The fourth aspect is that, in the third aspect, the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction and containing the perpendicular (91,92,93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71,72,73) is smaller than the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross section parallel to the second direction and containing the perpendicular (91,92,93) to the convex surface (71,72,73).
[0013] In the fourth embodiment, the width of ultraviolet radiation can be made different in two directions. Therefore, the irradiation area can be formed to match the shape of the component.
[0014] The fifth embodiment is one of the second to fourth embodiments in which the reflective portion (70) has a first convex surface (71) and a second convex surface (72) as convex surfaces.
[0015] In the fifth embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation area can be further expanded by providing a plurality of convex surfaces (71, 72, 73), namely the first convex surface (71) and the second convex surface (72), on the reflective portion (70).
[0016] The sixth aspect is that, in the fifth aspect, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction, the radius of curvature of the first convex surface (71) is different from the radius of curvature of the second convex surface (72).
[0017] In the sixth embodiment, the range over which ultraviolet light is emitted can be made different for the first convex surface (71) and the second convex surface (72), so that the range of the irradiation area corresponding to each convex surface (71, 72, 73) and the illuminance of these irradiation areas can be adjusted.
[0018] The seventh aspect is that, in the sixth aspect, when viewed in the second direction, the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the first convex surface (71) to the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) is longer than the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the second convex surface (72) to the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55). When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction, the radius of curvature of the first convex surface (71) is larger than the radius of curvature of the second convex surface (72).
[0019] In the seventh embodiment, the radius of curvature of the first convex surface (71) is larger than the radius of curvature of the second convex surface (72). However, the illuminance of the irradiated area decreases as the irradiation distance increases. Therefore, because the irradiation distances of each convex surface (71, 72, 73) are different, variations occur in the illuminance of the irradiated area (IR) corresponding to each convex surface (71, 72, 73), resulting in uneven sterilization ability depending on the position of the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55). To address this, by increasing the radius of curvature of the first convex surface (71), which has a longer irradiation area, the irradiated area (IR) corresponding to the first convex surface (71) becomes smaller. As a result, the energy density of ultraviolet light in the irradiated area corresponding to the first convex surface (71) increases, and the illuminance of this irradiated area can be increased. Conversely, by decreasing the radius of curvature of the second convex surface (72), the irradiated area (IR) corresponding to the second convex surface (72) becomes larger. As a result, the density of ultraviolet light in the irradiation area corresponding to the second convex surface (72), which has a shorter irradiation area, decreases, and the illuminance of this irradiation area can be reduced. This suppresses uneven illuminance in the irradiation area across the entire components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55).
[0020] The eighth aspect is that, in any one of the second to seventh aspects, the reflective portion (70) has a concave surface (74) that is concave when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction. When viewed in the second direction, the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the concave surface (74) to the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) is longer than the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the convex surface (71, 72, 73) to the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55).
[0021] In the eighth embodiment, by making the reflective surface on the side with a longer irradiation distance a concave surface (74), the irradiation area corresponding to the concave surface (74) becomes smaller. As a result, the illuminance of the irradiation area corresponding to the concave surface (74) can be increased. Conversely, by making the reflective surface on the side with a shorter irradiation area a convex surface (71, 72, 73), the irradiation area corresponding to the convex surface (71, 72, 73) becomes larger. As a result, the illuminance of the irradiation area corresponding to the convex surface (71, 72, 73) can be increased. This makes it possible to suppress uneven illuminance of the irradiation area across the entire component (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55).
[0022] Aspect 9 is such that in any one of Aspects 2 to 8, the irradiation unit (61) is configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays in the first direction toward the reflection unit (70). The irradiation unit (61) overlaps the reflection unit (70) when viewed in the first direction. The irradiation unit (61) does not overlap the component parts (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) when viewed in the first direction.
[0023] In Aspect 9, since it is possible to suppress the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the irradiation unit (61) from hitting the component parts (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55), in the air flow path (34), an irradiation space for ultraviolet rays can be formed between the irradiation unit (61) and the reflection unit (70). Thereby, the air in the air flow path (34) can be sufficiently sterilized. Further, since the ultraviolet rays can be sufficiently delivered to the reflection unit (70), the surface of the component parts (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) can be sterilized by the reflected ultraviolet rays.
[0024] Aspect 10 is such that in Aspect 9, the length of the component parts (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) in the first direction is greater than the length of the component parts (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
[0025] In Aspect 10, since the distance from the irradiation unit (61) to the reflection unit (70) becomes longer, the irradiation space formed in the air flow path (34) becomes larger. Thereby, the sterilization ability of the air in the air flow path (34) can be increased. The reflection unit (70) can expand the irradiation region of the ultraviolet rays in the first direction, so an irradiation region can be formed over the entire component parts (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55).
[0026] Aspect 11 is such that in Aspect 9 or 10, the irradiation unit (61) is arranged on one end side in the first direction in the air flow path (34). The reflection unit (70) is arranged on the other end side in the first direction in the air flow path (34).
[0027] In the 11th aspect, since the distance from the irradiation unit (61) to the reflection unit (70) becomes longer, the irradiation space formed in the air flow path (34) becomes larger. As a result, the sterilization ability of the air in the air flow path (34) can be further increased.
[0028] The 12th aspect is any one of the 1st to 11th aspects, wherein the component parts (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) include a heat exchanger (50, 55), a fan (42, 46), a drain pan (43), or a scroll wall (35).
[0029] In the 12th aspect, the surface of the heat exchanger (50, 55), the fan (42, 46), the drain pan (43), or the scroll wall (being 35) can be sterilized by ultraviolet rays.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the indoor unit of the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the irradiation unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram when the main part of the irradiation unit is viewed from the second direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram when the main part of the irradiation unit is viewed from the downstream side in the third direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape including the perpendicular line of the apex of the convex surface perpendicular to the second direction in the reflection unit and the cross-sectional shape including the perpendicular line of the apex of the convex surface parallel to the second direction in the reflection unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 of the second modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 of the third modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the indoor unit of the fourth modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 of the fifth modification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of this disclosure. Since the drawings are for conceptual illustration of this disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.
[0032] (1) Overview of the air conditioning system The air conditioning system (10) harmonizes the air in the target space, which is the indoor space (I). The air conditioning system (10) in this embodiment adjusts the temperature of the indoor air. The air conditioning system (10) has an indoor unit (30) and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit (30) and the outdoor unit are connected by connecting pipes, forming a refrigerant circuit that performs a cooling cycle and a heating cycle. In the cooling cycle, the air in the indoor space (I) is cooled by an indoor heat exchanger (50) that functions as an evaporator. In the heating cycle, the air in the indoor space (I) is heated by an indoor heat exchanger (50) that functions as a condenser (radiator).
[0033] (2) Configuration of the indoor unit As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the indoor unit (30) is installed in the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) in this embodiment is a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner installed on the wall of the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) has a casing (31) and indoor elements housed in the casing (31). The indoor elements include an air filter (41), an indoor heat exchanger (50), an indoor fan (42), a drain pan (43), and a flap (44).
[0034] (2-1) Casing The casing (31) constitutes a flow path forming member that forms an air passage (34). The casing (31) is formed in a horizontally elongated hollow shape from left to right. The longitudinal direction of the casing (31) corresponds to the left-right direction. The casing (31) has a front plate (31a), a rear plate (31b), an upper plate (31c), a lower plate (31d), a first side plate (31e), and a second side plate (31f). The front plate (31a) is formed on the front side of the casing (31), the rear plate (31b) is formed on the rear side of the casing (31), the upper plate (31c) is formed on the upper side of the casing (31), the lower plate (31d) is formed on the lower side of the casing (31), the first side plate (31e) is formed on the right side of the casing (31), and the second side plate (31f) is formed on the left side of the casing (31).
[0035] An intake port (32) is formed in the upper plate (31c), and an outlet port (33) is formed in the lower plate (31d). The intake port (32) is an opening for drawing air from the indoor space (I) into the air passage (34). The outlet port (33) is an opening for blowing air from the air passage (34) back into the indoor space (I). Inside the casing (31), the air passage (34) is formed from the intake port (32) to the outlet port (33).
[0036] (2-2) Air filter The air filter (41) is positioned upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (50) in the air passage (34). The air filter (41) is positioned behind the intake port (32) so as to run along the intake port (32). The air filter (41) is a mesh-like material. The air filter (41) collects dust particles in the air drawn in from the intake port (32).
[0037] (2-3) Indoor heat exchanger The indoor heat exchanger (50) is positioned upstream of the indoor fan (42) in the air passage (34). The indoor heat exchanger (50) is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (50) has vertically elongated fins (51) arranged on the left and right sides, and heat transfer tubes (52) that penetrate the fins (51) in the left-right direction. The indoor heat exchanger (50) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside it and the indoor air transported by the indoor fan (42).
[0038] The indoor heat exchanger (50) has a front first heat exchange section (H1), a front second heat exchange section (H2), and a rear heat exchange section (H3). The front first heat exchange section (H1) and the front second heat exchange section (H2) are located near the front plate (31a) and top plate (31c) of the casing (31). The front second heat exchange section (H2) is located below the front first heat exchange section (H1). A drain pan (43) is provided below the front second heat exchange section (H2). The rear heat exchange section (H3) is located near the rear plate (31b) and top plate (31c) of the casing (31).
[0039] In this embodiment, the front first heat exchange section (H1) constitutes the components of the irradiation unit (60) that are to be disinfected. The front first heat exchange section (H1) has an outer shape with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction.
[0040] (2-4) Indoor fan, drain pan, and flap The indoor fan (42) is an example of a fan. The indoor fan (42) is a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan (42) is rotationally driven by a fan motor. The direction of the rotation axis of the indoor fan (42) corresponds to the left-right direction. In other words, the indoor fan (42) has an external shape with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction.
[0041] The drain pan (43) is located below the indoor heat exchanger (50). The drain pan (43) is a tray that receives water generated inside the casing (31). The drain pan (43) receives condensation water generated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50). The drain pan (43) extends in the left-right direction along the front second heat exchange section (H2).
[0042] The flap (44) constitutes an airflow direction adjustment unit that adjusts the direction of the discharged air. The flap (44) adjusts the vertical direction of the discharged air. The flap (44) may also adjust the horizontal direction of the discharged air.
[0043] (2-5) Scroll Wall A scroll wall (35) is provided inside the casing (31). The scroll wall (35) guides the air in the air passage (34) toward the outlet (33) downstream of the indoor fan (42). When viewed in the axial direction of the indoor fan (42), the scroll wall (35) forms an involute curved inner surface.
[0044] (3) Irradiation unit The air conditioning system (10) includes an irradiation unit (60). The irradiation unit (60) has an irradiation section (61) that irradiates ultraviolet light and a reflecting section (70) that reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation section (61). The irradiation unit (60) will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 6.
[0045] In the following description, the first direction is the direction in which ultraviolet light is incident on the reflecting portion (70). In this embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the direction in which the irradiating portion (61) irradiates ultraviolet light, specifically the left-right direction. The second direction is the direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this embodiment, the second direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the fins (51) of the front first heat exchange portion (H1). The third direction is the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. In this embodiment, the third direction corresponds to the airflow direction passing through the front first heat exchange portion (H1). In other words, the third direction corresponds to the width direction of the fins (51) of the front first heat exchange portion (H1).
[0046] (3-1) Overall structure The irradiation unit (60) has the function of sterilizing the air in the air passage (34) and the function of sterilizing the surface of the components. The irradiation unit (60) inactivates bacteria and viruses in the air in the air passage (34) by irradiating with ultraviolet light. The irradiation unit (60) inactivates mold, viruses, and bacteria on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50), which is a component, by ultraviolet light.
[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the irradiation unit (60) of this embodiment is positioned between the indoor heat exchanger (50) and the indoor fan (42). The irradiation unit (60) is located downstream of the front first heat exchange section (H1). The irradiation unit (60) forms an ultraviolet irradiation space along the outflow surface of the front first heat exchange section (H1).
[0048] The irradiating portion (61) is positioned at one end of the air passage (34) in the first direction, and the reflecting portion (70) is positioned at the other end of the air passage (34) in the first direction. The irradiating portion (61) is directly or indirectly supported on the inner surface of the second side plate (31f) of the casing (31). The reflecting portion (70) is directly or indirectly supported on the inner surface of the first side plate (31e) of the casing (31).
[0049] (3-2) Irradiation area The irradiation unit (61) faces the other end in the first direction. The irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light in the first direction toward the air passage (34). When viewed in the first direction, the irradiation unit (61) overlaps with the reflecting unit (70). When viewed in the first direction, the irradiation unit (61) does not overlap with the front first heat exchange unit (H1), which is a component.
[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the irradiation unit (61) includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) (62), a reflector (63), a lens (64), and a control board (65) that controls the LED (62). The reflector (63) and lens (64) constitute a light distribution control unit that distributes the ultraviolet light from the LED (62).
[0051] LED(62) is a light source that emits ultraviolet light. The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by LED(62) is 280 nm or less. This improves the sterilization effect on air and components. Preferably, the peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by LED(62) is 255 nm or more and 275 nm or less. This particularly improves the sterilization effect on air and components. The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by LED(62) may be 230 nm or less. This improves the safety of exposure to the human body in the event that ultraviolet light leaks outside the casing(31).
[0052] The reflector (63) is a curved reflector that reflects ultraviolet light emitted from the LED (62). The lens (64) focuses the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED (62). Through the reflector (63) and lens (64), ultraviolet light from the first optical axis (A1) is emitted from the irradiation unit (61).
[0053] The control board (65) has an electrical circuit for controlling the LED (62). The control board (65) is included in the control unit of the air conditioning unit (10). The control unit switches the LED (62) on and off and adjusts the output of the LED (62).
[0054] (3-3) Reflection part The reflective portion (70) faces the front first heat exchange portion (H1). The reflective portion (70) reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation portion (61) toward the front first heat exchange portion (H1) by amplifying it. In this embodiment, the irradiation portion (61) and the reflective portion (70) face each other in the first direction.
[0055] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the reflective portion (70) has a first convex surface (71), a second convex surface (72), and a third convex surface (73) as convex surfaces that reflect ultraviolet light. The tops of the first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) face the front first heat exchange portion (H1). In this embodiment, the first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) are formed on the same part. The reflective portion (70) is obtained, for example, by press molding a metal material. The first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) may be formed on separate parts. In this case, these separate parts may be joined together as a single unit, or these separate parts may be fixed to a support member.
[0056] In the reflective section (70) of this embodiment, a first convex surface (71), a second convex surface (72), and a third convex surface (73) are arranged in order from one end to the other end in the first direction. In the reflective section (70), a third convex surface (73), a second convex surface (72), and a first convex surface (71) are arranged in order from one end (upstream side) to the other end (downstream side) in the third direction. The arrangement direction of the first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) is inclined with respect to the third direction toward the other end of the first direction, i.e., opposite to the irradiating section (61), such that the third convex surface (73) is located closer to the other end of the first direction.
[0057] In this embodiment, each convex surface (71, 72, 73), which is spherical in shape, has an arc-shaped surface when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction. More precisely, as shown in Figure 6, each convex surface (71, 72, 73) has an arc-shaped surface when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction and containing the perpendiculars (91, 92, 93) to the vertices of the convex surfaces (71, 72, 73). Hereinafter, this cross section will be called cross section A, and this arc-shaped surface will be called the first-view arc-shaped surface. The perpendicular to the vertex of the first convex surface (71) is defined as the first perpendicular (91), the perpendicular to the vertex of the second convex surface (72) is defined as the second perpendicular (92), and the perpendicular to the vertex of the third convex surface (73) is defined as the third perpendicular (93). Each convex surface (71, 72, 73) has an arc-shaped arc surface when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the second direction and containing the perpendicular (91, 92, 93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71, 72, 73). Hereinafter, this cross-section will also be called section B, and this arc surface will be called the second-view arc surface.
[0058] As shown in Figure 6, when viewed in section A, the first convex surface (71) has a first arc surface (81), the second convex surface (72) has a second arc surface (82), and the third convex surface (73) has a third arc surface (83). When viewed in section B, the first convex surface (71) has a fourth arc surface (84), the second convex surface (72) has a fifth arc surface (85), and the third convex surface (73) has a sixth arc surface (86).
[0059] The first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) reflect the incident ultraviolet light toward the front first heat exchange section (H1), respectively. As a result, an irradiated region (IR) is formed on the downstream surface of the front first heat exchange section (H1).
[0060] Specifically, the first convex surface (71) reflects ultraviolet light along the second optical axis (A2), forming a first irradiation region (IR1) in the front first heat exchange section (H1). The second convex surface (72) reflects ultraviolet light along the third optical axis (A3), forming a second irradiation region (IR2) in the front first heat exchange section (H1). The third convex surface (73) reflects ultraviolet light along the third optical axis (A3), forming a third irradiation region (IR3) in the front first heat exchange section (H1). As a result, the first irradiation region (IR1), the second irradiation region (IR2), and the third irradiation region (IR3) are formed sequentially on the downstream surface of the front first heat exchange section (H1), from one end to the other in the first direction. In this embodiment, the first irradiation region (IR1), the second irradiation region (IR2), and the third irradiation region (IR3) are formed intermittently in the first direction. The irradiation area (IR) is the combined area of the first irradiation area (IR1), the second irradiation area (IR2), and the third irradiation area (IR3).
[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the second optical axis (A2) corresponds to the line connecting the midpoint of the first convex surface (71) and the midpoint of the first illumination region (IR1). The third optical axis (A3) corresponds to the line connecting the midpoint of the second convex surface (72) and the midpoint of the second illumination region (IR2). The fourth optical axis (A4) corresponds to the line connecting the midpoint of the third convex surface (73) and the midpoint of the third illumination region (IR3). More precisely, the midpoint of the first convex surface (71) is the center of the optically effective surface of the first convex surface (71), the midpoint of the second convex surface (72) is the center of the optically effective surface of the second convex surface (72), and the midpoint of the third convex surface (73) is the center of the optically effective surface of the third convex surface (73).
[0062] (4) Relationship between irradiation unit parameters As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation unit (60) is configured such that, when viewed in the second direction, the relationship first irradiation distance (L1) > second irradiation distance (L2) > third irradiation distance (L3) is satisfied. The first irradiation distance (L1) is the length of the line connecting the midpoint of the first convex surface (71) and the midpoint of the first irradiation area (IR1), in other words, the length of the second optical axis (A2). The second irradiation distance (L2) is the length of the line connecting the midpoint of the second convex surface (72) and the midpoint of the second irradiation area (IR2), in other words, the length of the third optical axis (A3). The third irradiation distance (L3) is the length of the line connecting the midpoint of the third convex surface (73) and the midpoint of the third irradiation area (IR3), in other words, the length of the fourth optical axis (A4).
[0063] The irradiation unit (60) is configured to satisfy the relationship: first angle (θ1) < second angle (θ2) < third angle (θ3). The first angle (θ1) is the angle on the narrower side between the first optical axis (A1) and the second optical axis (A2). The second angle (θ2) is the angle on the narrower side between the first optical axis (A1) and the third optical axis (A3). The third angle (θ3) is the angle on the narrower side between the first optical axis (A1) and the fourth optical axis (A4).
[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the reflecting portion (70) is configured such that the first radius of curvature (R1) > second radius of curvature (R2) > third radius of curvature (R3). The first radius of curvature (R1) is the radius of curvature of the first arc surface (81), the second radius of curvature (R2) is the radius of curvature of the second arc surface (82), and the third radius of curvature (R3) is the radius of curvature of the third arc surface (83).
[0065] The reflective section (70) is configured such that the fourth radius of curvature (R4) > fifth radius of curvature (R5) > sixth radius of curvature (R6). The fourth radius of curvature (R4) is the radius of curvature of the fourth circular arc surface (84), the fifth radius of curvature (R5) is the radius of curvature of the fifth circular arc surface (85), and the sixth radius of curvature (R6) is the radius of curvature of the sixth circular arc surface (86).
[0066] In the reflective section (70), the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross-section (Section A) perpendicular to the second direction and containing the perpendicular line (91, 92, 93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71, 72, 73) is different from the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross-section (Section B) parallel to the second direction and containing the perpendicular line (91, 92, 93) to the convex surface (71, 72, 73). In other words, each convex surface (71, 72, 73) constitutes a so-called toroidal surface. Specifically, in each convex surface (71, 72, 73), the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction is smaller than the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction. More specifically, in the first convex surface (71), the first radius of curvature (R1) is smaller than the fourth radius of curvature (R4). In the second convex surface (72), the second radius of curvature (R2) is smaller than the fifth radius of curvature (R5). In the third convex surface (73), the third radius of curvature (R3) is smaller than the sixth radius of curvature (R6).
[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation unit (60) is configured to satisfy the relationship: first length (D1) < second length (D2) < third length (D3). Here, the first length (D1) is the length of the first irradiation region (IR1) in the first direction, the second length (D2) is the length of the second irradiation region (IR2) in the first direction, and the third length (D3) is the length of the third irradiation region (IR3) in the first direction.
[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the irradiation unit (60) of this embodiment has a first width (W1), a second width (W2), and a third width (W3) that are approximately equal to each other. Here, the first width (W1) is the maximum length in the second direction of the first irradiation area (IR1), the second width (W2) is the maximum length in the second direction of the second irradiation area (IR2), and the third width (W3) is the maximum length in the second direction of the third irradiation area (IR3). The irradiation unit (60) may be configured to satisfy the relationship first width (W1) < second width (W2) < third width (W3).
[0069] The irradiation unit (60) of this embodiment is configured to satisfy the relationship: first area (S1) < second area (S2) < third area (S3). Here, the first area (S1) is the area of the first irradiation region (IR1), the second area (S2) is the area of the second irradiation region (IR2), and the third area (S3) is the area of the third irradiation region (IR3).
[0070] (5) Operation of the irradiation unit The irradiation unit (60) operates when the air conditioning system (10) is running. The irradiation unit (60) may also operate when the air conditioning system (10) is stopped. When the irradiation unit (60) is operating, the LED (62) of the irradiation section (61) is turned ON.
[0071] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light in the first direction from one end to the other. The first optical axis (A1), which is the optical axis of the ultraviolet light of the irradiation unit (61), coincides with the first direction. The irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light along the irradiation area (IR) of the front first heat exchange unit (H1). The ultraviolet light from the irradiation unit (61) does not hit the front first heat exchange unit (H1), which is a component, but propagates through the air passage (34). As a result, the air in the air passage (34) can be sterilized by the ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit (61).
[0072] The first direction is the longitudinal direction of the air passage (34). This makes it easier to irradiate the entire air passage (34) with ultraviolet light, thereby improving the air sterilization effect. The first direction is the direction that intersects with the airflow in the air passage (34), specifically the direction perpendicular to it. This increases the residence time of the air passing through the ultraviolet irradiated space in the air passage (34), thereby improving the air sterilization effect.
[0073] When ultraviolet light emitted by the irradiation unit (61) reaches the reflecting unit (70), the reflecting unit (70) reflects the ultraviolet light toward the front first heat exchange unit (H1). Specifically, the first convex surface (71) reflects ultraviolet light from the second optical axis (A2) toward the first irradiation area (IR1). The second convex surface (72) reflects ultraviolet light from the third optical axis (A3) toward the second irradiation area (IR2). The third convex surface (73) reflects ultraviolet light from the fourth optical axis (A4) toward the third irradiation area (IR3).
[0074] As shown in Figure 4, each convex surface (71, 72, 73) has a first-viewing arc surface when viewed in cross-section A. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation range, and even the irradiation region (IR), can be expanded in the first direction. As a result, the irradiation region (IR) can be formed over the entire longitudinal direction of the front first heat exchange section (H1).
[0075] The radius of curvature (R1, R2, R3) of the first viewing arc surface is smaller than the radius of curvature (R4, R5, R6) of the second viewing arc surface. Therefore, in the first direction, the ultraviolet irradiation range can be greatly expanded along the longitudinal direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50). Thus, as shown in Figure 4, an irradiation area (IR) can be formed over the entire longitudinal direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50).
[0076] The radius of curvature (R4, R5, R6) of the second viewing arc surface is larger than the radius of curvature (R1, R2, R3) of the first viewing arc surface. Therefore, in the second direction, it is possible to suppress the ultraviolet irradiation area from becoming excessively large in the short-side direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50). Consequently, as shown in Figure 5, it is possible to suppress the ultraviolet irradiation area from becoming larger than the indoor heat exchanger (50), and to suppress ultraviolet rays from leaking outside the casing (31).
[0077] The arrangement of the first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) is such that the third convex surface (73) is positioned closer to the other end of the first direction, with each perpendicular line (91, 92, 93) of each convex surface (71, 72, 73) inclined in a direction having components toward one end of the first direction and one end of the third direction. As a result, the ultraviolet irradiation range can be expanded in the first direction.
[0078] As shown in Figure 5, each convex surface (71, 72, 73) has a second viewing arc surface when viewed in section B. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation range, and even the irradiation area, can be expanded in the second direction. As a result, an irradiation area (IR) can be formed over the entire width direction (longitudinal direction of the fins) of the front first heat exchange section (H1).
[0079] Incidentally, the illuminance of the irradiated area (IR) decreases as the irradiation distance increases. This is because the illuminance of the irradiated area (IR) is inversely proportional to the square of the irradiation distance. If the radii of curvature of the first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) are the same, the illuminance of the first irradiated area (IR1) will be small, and the illuminance of the third irradiated area (IR3) will be excessively large. This is because the first irradiation distance (L1) is longer than the third irradiation distance (L3). As a result, the illuminance in the irradiated area (IR) becomes non-uniform, and therefore the sterilization ability of the surface will also vary.
[0080] Considering this issue, the reflective portion (70) of this embodiment is configured to satisfy the relationship: first radius of curvature (R1) > second radius of curvature (R2) > third radius of curvature (R3). With this configuration, ultraviolet light reflected by the first arcuate surface (81) does not expand significantly in the first direction. As a result, the first length (D1) and further the first area (S1) of the first irradiation region (IR1) become smaller, and the density of ultraviolet light in the first irradiation region (IR1) increases. As a result, the illuminance of the first irradiation region (IR1) can be increased. Conversely, ultraviolet light reflected by the third arcuate surface (83) expands significantly in the first direction. As a result, the third length (D3) and further the third area (S3) of the third irradiation region (IR3) become larger, and the density of ultraviolet light in the third irradiation region (IR3) decreases. As a result, the illuminance of the third irradiation region (IR3) can be reduced. As described above, in this embodiment, the illuminance of the first irradiation area (IR1), the second irradiation area (IR2), and the third irradiation area (IR3) can be made uniform, thereby making the sterilization ability uniform across the entire irradiation area (IR).
[0081] In addition, by increasing the first radius of curvature (R1) of the first arcuate surface (81), it is possible to suppress ultraviolet rays reflected by the first arcuate surface (81) from escaping from the front first heat exchange section (H1) or leaking out to the outside of the casing (31).
[0082] In addition, by reducing the third radius of curvature (R3) of the third arc surface (83), it is possible to suppress the excessive narrowing of the irradiation area (IR) at positions close to the reflecting part (70).
[0083] The reflective portion (70) of this embodiment is configured to satisfy the relationship: fourth radius of curvature (R4) > fifth radius of curvature (R5) > sixth radius of curvature (R6). With this configuration, ultraviolet light reflected by the fourth arc surface (84) does not expand significantly in the second direction. As a result, the first width (W1) and further the first area (S1) of the first irradiation area (IR1) in the second direction become smaller, and the density of ultraviolet light in the first irradiation area (IR1) increases. As a result, the illuminance of the first irradiation area (IR1) can be increased. Conversely, ultraviolet light reflected by the third arc surface (83) expands significantly in the second direction. As a result, the third width (W3) and further the third area (S3) of the third irradiation area (IR3) become larger, and the density of ultraviolet light in the third irradiation area (IR3) decreases. As a result, the illuminance of the third irradiation area (IR3) can be reduced. As described above, in this embodiment, the illuminance of the first irradiation area (IR1), the second irradiation area (IR2), and the third irradiation area (IR3) can be made uniform, thereby making the sterilization ability uniform across the entire irradiation area (IR).
[0084] In addition, by increasing the fourth radius of curvature (R4) of the fourth arcuate surface (84), it is possible to suppress ultraviolet rays reflected by the fourth arcuate surface (84) from escaping from the front first heat exchange section (H1) or leaking to the outside of the casing (31).
[0085] In addition, by reducing the sixth radius of curvature (R6) of the sixth arc surface (86), it is possible to suppress the excessive narrowing of the irradiation area (IR) at positions close to the reflecting part (70).
[0086] (6) Effects of the Embodiment (6-1) The air conditioning unit (10) includes an irradiation unit (61) that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the air passage (34) and a reflecting unit (70) that amplifies and reflects the incident ultraviolet light toward the components (indoor heat exchanger (50)).
[0087] In this configuration, the irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light toward the air passage (34), thereby sterilizing the air in the air passage (34). In addition, the reflecting unit (70) reflects ultraviolet light toward the indoor heat exchanger (50), thereby sterilizing the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50). By changing the direction of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation unit (61) using the reflecting unit (70), the layout of the components of the air conditioning system (10) becomes less restrictive, and the surfaces of desired components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) can be sterilized.
[0088] Furthermore, the reflective section (70) expands the irradiation range of the reflected ultraviolet light, so that a wide irradiation area (IR) can be formed on the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55). As a result, the number of irradiation sections (61) can be reduced. In this embodiment, sterilization of the air in the air passage (34) and sterilization of the surfaces of the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) can be achieved with only one irradiation section (61).
[0089] (6-2) The reflective portion (70) has an arc-shaped convex surface (71, 72, 73) when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a second direction that is perpendicular to a first direction which is the direction of ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation portion (61). Therefore, the irradiation area (IR) of ultraviolet light can be expanded in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the first direction) at the reflective portion (70).
[0090] In particular, the convex surface (71, 72, 73) is formed in an arc shape when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the second direction and including the perpendicular line (91, 92, 93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71, 72, 73). Therefore, the reflective portion (70) can reflect radial ultraviolet light in both the first and second directions. As a result, the irradiation area (IR) of the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) can be expanded in both the first and second directions.
[0091] (6-3) The radius of curvature of the convex surface (71,72,73) when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction and containing the perpendicular line (91,92,93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71,72,73) is smaller than the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the second direction and containing the perpendicular line (91,92,93) to the convex surface (71,72,73). Therefore, the irradiation area (IR) can be expanded in the first direction more than in the second direction. The indoor heat exchanger (50) has a rectangular outer shape in which the second direction is longer than the first direction. Therefore, the irradiation area (IR) can be formed to match the shape of the indoor heat exchanger (50). Consequently, it is possible to suppress the excessive widening of the ultraviolet irradiation range and the leakage of ultraviolet rays to the outside. It is also possible to suppress the localized decrease in the sterilization capacity of the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50) by preventing the ultraviolet irradiation range from becoming excessively narrow.
[0092] (6-4) The reflective portion (70) has a first convex surface (71) and a second convex surface (72). Furthermore, the reflective portion (70) has a third convex surface (73). By providing multiple convex surfaces (71, 72, 73) on the reflective portion (70), the ultraviolet irradiation range can be further expanded.
[0093] Since the radii of curvature of the first convex surface (71), the second convex surface (72), and the third convex surface (73) are different, ultraviolet light can be irradiated in a way that matches the shape of the indoor heat exchanger (50).
[0094] When viewed in the second direction, the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the first convex surface (71) to the indoor heat exchanger (50) is longer than the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the second convex surface (72) to the indoor heat exchanger (50). When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction, the radius of curvature of the first convex surface (71) is larger than the radius of curvature of the second convex surface (72).
[0095] Therefore, the illuminance in the first irradiation area (IR1) and the second irradiation area (IR2) can be made uniform, and the sterilization ability in these areas can be made uniform. The irradiation range of ultraviolet light reflected from the first convex surface (71) can be prevented from becoming excessively wide. As a result, for example, ultraviolet light hitting the irradiation part (61) and causing deterioration of the irradiation part (61) can be prevented. Leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the casing (31) can be prevented. The irradiation range of ultraviolet light reflected from the second convex surface (72) can be prevented from becoming excessively narrow, which would cause the second irradiation area (IR2) to become narrow. The same points apply to the relationship between the first convex surface (71) and the third convex surface (73), and to the relationship between the second convex surface (72) and the third convex surface (73).
[0096] (6-5) The irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light in a first direction. The irradiation unit (61) overlaps with the irradiation unit (61) when viewed in the first direction. The irradiation unit (61) does not overlap with the component (indoor heat exchanger (50)) when viewed in the first direction. With this configuration, the irradiation unit (61) can irradiate ultraviolet light along the irradiation area (IR) of the indoor heat exchanger (50). As a result, it is possible to suppress the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation unit (61) from hitting the indoor heat exchanger (50). If the ultraviolet light from the irradiation unit (61) hits the indoor heat exchanger (50), the ultraviolet light will have difficulty reaching the reflector (70), reducing the sterilization capacity of the air in the air passage (34) and the sterilization capacity of the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50). In contrast, this configuration ensures that the ultraviolet light emitted by the irradiation unit (61) reaches the reflecting unit (70), thereby improving both the sterilization capacity of the air in the air passage (34) and the sterilization capacity of the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50).
[0097] In particular, the irradiation unit (61) uses a light distribution control unit such as a reflector (63) and a lens (64) to adjust the direction of the emitted ultraviolet light before sending it to the reflector (70), thus more reliably suppressing ultraviolet light from hitting the indoor heat exchanger (50).
[0098] (6-6) The length in the first direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50) is greater than the length in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50). As a result, the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation unit (61) travels a longer distance through the air passage (34), thereby improving the air sterilization capacity in the air passage (34).
[0099] Furthermore, the reflective section (70) expands the ultraviolet irradiation range in the first direction, so that a sufficient irradiation area (IR) can be secured along the longitudinal direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50).
[0100] (6-7) The component is an indoor heat exchanger (50). Therefore, the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50) can be disinfected by ultraviolet light.
[0101] (7) Variant The embodiment described above may also have the following configuration. The differences from the embodiment will be explained below in particular.
[0102] (7-1) Variation 1 In the reflective portion (70) of the embodiment, the number of convex surfaces (71, 72, 73) may be one, two, or four or more.
[0103] If there are two convex surfaces (71, 72, 73), the third convex surface (73) of the embodiment is omitted. If there are four or more convex surfaces (71, 72, 73), the radii of curvature of the other convex surfaces should be set to obtain the same effects as in the embodiment.
[0104] (7-2) Variation 2 As shown in Figure 7, the reflective portion (70) of the modified example 2 has a concave surface (74), a flat surface (75), and a convex surface (for example, a third convex surface (73)).
[0105] In the reflective section (70), a third convex surface (73), a flat surface (75), and a concave surface (74) are arranged in order from one end to the other end in the second direction. The concave surface (74) has an arc-shaped reflective surface that is concave in the opposite direction to the indoor heat exchanger (50) when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction. The flat surface (75) has a planar reflective surface that faces the indoor heat exchanger (50).
[0106] The concave surface (74) reflects ultraviolet light along the fifth optical axis (A5). As a result, a fourth irradiation region (IR4) is formed in the indoor heat exchanger (50). The flat surface (75) reflects ultraviolet light along the sixth optical axis (A6). As a result, a fifth irradiation region (IR5) is formed in the indoor heat exchanger (50). The third convex surface (73) reflects ultraviolet light along the fourth optical axis (A4), similar to the embodiment. As a result, a third irradiation region (IR3) is formed in the indoor heat exchanger (50).
[0107] In the modified example 2, the fourth irradiation region (IR4), the fifth irradiation region (IR5), and the third irradiation region (IR3) are formed sequentially from one end to the other in the first direction. The irradiation unit (60) is configured such that, when viewed in the second direction, the relationship fourth irradiation distance (L4) > fifth irradiation distance (L5) > third irradiation distance (L3) is satisfied. The fourth irradiation distance (L4) is the length of the line connecting the midpoint of the concave surface (74) and the midpoint of the fourth irradiation region (IR4), in other words, the length of the fifth optical axis (A5). The fifth irradiation distance (L5) is the length of the line connecting the midpoint of the plane (75) and the midpoint of the fifth irradiation region (IR5), in other words, the length of the sixth optical axis (A6). The third irradiation distance (L3) is the length of the line connecting the midpoint of the third convex surface (73) and the midpoint of the third irradiation region (IR3), in other words, the length of the fourth optical axis (A4). More precisely, the midpoint of the concave surface (74) is the center of the optically effective surface of the concave surface (74), the midpoint of the plane (75) is the center of the optically effective surface of the plane (75), and the midpoint of the third convex surface (73) is the center of the optically effective surface of the third convex surface (73).
[0108] As described above, the illuminance of the irradiated area decreases as the irradiation distance increases. In contrast, in Modification 2, the reflective surface on the side with a longer irradiation distance is made concave (74), so the density of ultraviolet light in the fourth irradiation area (IR4) corresponding to the concave surface (74) can be further reduced. In Modification 2, the reflective surface on the side with a shorter irradiation distance is made convex (third convex surface (73)), so the density of ultraviolet light in the third irradiation area (IR3) corresponding to the third convex surface (73) can be increased. As a result, the illuminance can be made uniform throughout the entire irradiation area (IR). The flat surface (75) reflects ultraviolet light in a different direction from the third convex surface (73) and the concave surface (74), so it contributes to expanding the irradiation range of ultraviolet light in the first direction.
[0109] In the modified example 2, the reflective portion (70) may consist of only two of the following: convex surfaces (71, 72, 73), flat surfaces (75), and concave surfaces (74). In this case, the number of convex surfaces (71, 72, 73), flat surfaces (75), and concave surfaces (74) is not limited to one, but may be two or more.
[0110] The reflective portion (70) may have an inverted arc-shaped concave surface when viewed in section B.
[0111] (7-3) Modified example 3 Modification 3 differs from the embodiment in that the component being irradiated is different. As shown in Figure 8, the component is an indoor fan (42). The irradiation unit (60) of Modification 3 is positioned between the indoor heat exchanger (50) and the indoor fan (42). The irradiation unit (60) forms an irradiated area (IR) on the upstream side of the indoor fan (42).
[0112] Specifically, the irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light in a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the indoor fan (42). The reflecting unit (70) reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation unit (61) toward the indoor fan (42). In particular, the reflecting unit (70), as in the embodiment, expands the irradiation range of ultraviolet light in the longitudinal direction of the indoor fan (42).
[0113] The irradiation unit (60) may irradiate other components. These components may be other parts of the indoor heat exchanger (50) (such as the front second heat exchange section (H2) or the rear heat exchange section), the drain pan (43), the scroll wall (35), the air filter (41), or the flap (44). The components are preferably shaped such that the first direction is the longitudinal direction.
[0114] (7-4) Modification 4 As shown in Figure 9, the indoor unit (30) of the modified example 4 is ceiling-mounted. The indoor unit (30) is installed in the space above the ceiling. The indoor unit (30) has a rectangular parallelepiped casing (31). The height of the casing (31) is shorter than the length of the casing (31) in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction. An intake port (32) is formed on the rear side of the casing (31), and an outlet port (33) is formed on the front side of the casing (31). An air passage (34) is formed from the intake port (32) to the outlet port (33). The air flowing out of the outlet port (33) is supplied to the indoor space (I) via a duct.
[0115] An airflow channel (34) contains an air supply fan (46), a heat exchanger (55), and a drain pan (43). The air supply fan (46) is located upstream of the heat exchanger (55) in the airflow. The air supply fan (46) is a centrifugal fan, for example, a sirocco fan. The heat exchanger (55) exchanges heat between air and refrigerant. The drain pan (43) is located below the heat exchanger (55). The heat exchanger (55) and the drain pan (43) have their longitudinal direction in the left-right direction. This longitudinal direction corresponds to the first direction.
[0116] The irradiation unit (60) is positioned between the supply fan (46) and the heat exchanger (55). The irradiation section (61) is supported on one end in the first direction, specifically on the left inner surface of the casing (31). The reflecting section (70) (not shown) is supported on the other end in the first direction, specifically on the left inner surface of the casing (31). The irradiation section (61) irradiates ultraviolet light in the first direction toward the air passage (34). The reflecting section (70) amplifies and reflects this ultraviolet light toward the heat exchanger (55). In modified example 4, an irradiation region (IR) is formed on the inlet surface of the heat exchanger (55).
[0117] In modified example 4, the irradiation unit (60) may be positioned downstream of the heat exchanger (55). In this case, the reflector (70) forms an irradiation area (IR) on the outlet surface of the heat exchanger (55). The reflector (70) may irradiate components such as the air supply fan (46), drain pan (43), or drain pump with ultraviolet light.
[0118] (7-5) Variation 5 Modification 5 shown in Figure 10 has an auxiliary reflector (90) in the irradiation unit (60). The auxiliary reflector (90) has a reflective surface and reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation unit (61) toward the reflector (70). In Modification 5, the direction in which the irradiation unit (61) irradiates ultraviolet light and the direction in which the ultraviolet light is incident on the reflector (70) are different. In other words, the first direction in Modification 5 corresponds to the incident direction of the reflector (70), but does not correspond to the irradiation direction of the irradiation unit (61). The reflector (70) reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated by the irradiation unit (61) toward the component (e.g., indoor heat exchanger (50)) indirectly, rather than directly. The number of auxiliary reflectors (90) interposed between the irradiation unit (60) and the reflector (70) may be two or more, not just one.
[0119] (8) Other embodiments The air conditioning system (10) may be an indoor multi-type system having two or more indoor units (30), or an outdoor multi-type system having two or more outdoor units. The air conditioning system (10) does not have to be a separate type, and may be an integrated type in which the user-side heat exchanger and the heat source-side heat exchanger are housed in one casing. The air conditioning system (10) does not have to be a stationary type. Specifically, the air conditioning system (10) may be a container refrigeration system that cools the interior space of a transport container, or an air conditioning system for a vehicle.
[0120] The reflective portion (70) does not necessarily have to have convex surfaces (71, 72, 73). In this case, the reflective portion (70) may have a first plane and a second plane as reflective surfaces, each with a different angle of reflected ultraviolet light. The reflective portion (70) may have only two or more concave surfaces. In this case, when viewed in the second direction, it is preferable that the ultraviolet light irradiation distance from the first concave surface to the component is longer than the ultraviolet light irradiation distance from the second concave surface to the component, and when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction, the absolute value of the radius of curvature of the first concave surface is greater than the absolute value of the radius of curvature of the second convex surface. The convex surfaces (71, 72, 73) and concave surfaces do not necessarily have to be spherical in shape, and may be aspherical in shape.
[0121] The irradiation unit (61) may have another light source (62), such as a laser. The light distribution control unit of the irradiation unit (61) may consist only of a reflector (63), only of a lens (64), or of other components capable of distributing ultraviolet light from the LED (62).
[0122] Although embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.
[0123] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions covered by this disclosure.
[0124] The designations "1st," "2nd," "3rd," etc., mentioned above are used to distinguish between the terms to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms. [Industrial applicability]
[0125] As described above, this disclosure is useful for air conditioning systems. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0126] 10. Air conditioning system 31 Casing 34 Airflow channels 35. Scroll Wall (Component) 43. Drain pan (component) 50 Indoor heat exchanger (components) 55 Heat exchanger components 61 Irradiation area 70 Reflector 71 First convex surface (convex surface) 72. Second convex surface (convex surface) 74 Concave
Claims
1. A casing (31) having an air passage (34) through which air flows, Components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) arranged in the aforementioned air passage (34), An irradiation unit (61) that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the aforementioned air passage (34), It includes a reflecting part (70) that amplifies and reflects the incident ultraviolet light toward the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55), The reflective portion (70) has an arc-shaped convex surface (71, 72, 73) when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a second direction that is perpendicular to a first direction which is the direction in which ultraviolet light is incident. The convex surface (71, 72, 73) is formed in an arc shape when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the second direction and including the perpendicular line (91, 92, 93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71, 72, 73). The radius of curvature of the convex surface (71, 72, 73) when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction and containing the perpendicular line (91, 92, 93) to the vertex of the convex surface (71, 72, 73) is smaller than the radius of curvature when viewed in a cross section parallel to the second direction and containing the perpendicular line (91, 92, 93) to the convex surface (71, 72, 73). The length of the component (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) in the first direction is greater than the length of the component (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Air conditioning system.
2. A casing (31) having an air passage (34) through which air flows, Components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) arranged in the aforementioned air passage (34), An irradiation unit (61) that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the aforementioned air passage (34), It includes a reflecting part (70) that amplifies and reflects the incident ultraviolet light toward the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55), The reflective portion (70) has an arc-shaped convex surface (71, 72, 73) when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a second direction that is perpendicular to a first direction which is the direction in which ultraviolet light is incident. The irradiation unit (61) is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light in the first direction toward the reflection unit (70), The irradiating portion (61) overlaps with the reflecting portion (70) in the first direction, The irradiation portion (61) does not overlap with the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) when viewed in the first direction. The irradiation unit (61) is positioned at one end of the air passage (34) in the first direction, The reflective portion (70) is positioned on the other end side in the first direction of the air passage (34), The irradiation unit (61) includes a light source (62) and light distribution control units (63, 64) that distribute ultraviolet light emitted from the light source (62) in the first direction. Air conditioning system.
3. A casing (31) having an air passage (34) through which air flows, Components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) arranged in the aforementioned air passage (34), An irradiation unit (61) that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the aforementioned air passage (34), It includes a reflecting part (70) that amplifies and reflects the incident ultraviolet light toward the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55), The reflective portion (70) has an arc-shaped convex surface (71, 72, 73) when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a second direction that is perpendicular to a first direction which is the direction in which ultraviolet light is incident. The reflective portion (70) has a first convex surface (71) and a second convex surface (72) as the convex surfaces (71, 72, 73), When viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction, the radius of curvature of the first convex surface (71) is different from the radius of curvature of the second convex surface (72). When viewed in the second direction, the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the first convex surface (71) to the component (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) is longer than the ultraviolet irradiation distance from the second convex surface (72) to the component (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55). When viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction, the radius of curvature of the first convex surface (71) is larger than the radius of curvature of the second convex surface (72). Air conditioning system.
4. The irradiation unit (61) is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light in the first direction toward the reflection unit (70), The irradiating portion (61) overlaps with the reflecting portion (70) in the first direction, The irradiation portion (61) does not overlap with the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) when viewed in the first direction. The air conditioning device according to claim 1.
5. The irradiation unit (61) is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light in the first direction toward the reflection unit (70), The irradiating portion (61) overlaps with the reflecting portion (70) in the first direction, The irradiation portion (61) does not overlap with the components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) when viewed in the first direction. The air conditioning device according to claim 3.
6. The length of the component (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) in the first direction is greater than the length of the component (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The air conditioning device according to claim 2.
7. The irradiation unit (61) is positioned at one end of the air passage (34) in the first direction, The reflective portion (70) is positioned on the other end side in the first direction of the air passage (34). The air conditioning device according to claim 1.
8. The irradiation unit (61) is positioned at one end of the air passage (34) in the first direction, The reflective portion (70) is positioned on the other end side in the first direction of the air passage (34). The air conditioning device according to claim 3.
9. The aforementioned components (35, 42, 43, 46, 50, 55) include heat exchangers (50, 55), fans (42, 46), drain pans (43), or scroll walls (35). An air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.