Air treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide an air treatment apparatus which can effectively prevent emission of ultraviolet light to outside of a treatment space in a state where a photocatalyst module is removed.SOLUTION: An air treatment apparatus includes a treatment box, an ultraviolet light source, a lid part and a photocatalyst module, wherein a treatment space is formed in the treatment box, and the treatment space can be communicated with an external space through an insertion port. The ultraviolet light source irradiates the treatment space of the treatment box with ultraviolet light, and the lid part is energized into a closed condition where the insertion port is closed. The photocatalyst module moves the lid part from the closed state against energization, thereby can be inserted into the treatment space from the insertion port, and the photocatalyst module closes the insertion port in a state of being arranged in the treatment space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] An air treatment device that sterilizes and deodorizes air using ultraviolet rays and a photocatalyst filter is known. In such an air treatment device, air is introduced from the outside into the treatment space inside the treatment box. Then, in the treatment space, the introduced air is sterilized, deodorized, etc. using ultraviolet rays and a photocatalyst module. And the sterilized and deodorized air is discharged to the outside of the treatment space. In the air treatment device as described above, it is necessary to periodically clean or replace the photocatalyst module. In the air treatment device, in replacing the photocatalyst module, it is required to effectively prevent the emission of ultraviolet rays from the treatment space to the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air treatment device that effectively prevents the emission of ultraviolet rays from the treatment space to the outside in a state where the photocatalyst module is removed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one embodiment, the air treatment apparatus comprises a treatment box, an ultraviolet light source, a lid, and a photocatalyst module. A treatment space is formed inside the treatment box, and the treatment space is able to communicate with the outside space through an insertion opening. The ultraviolet light source irradiates ultraviolet light into the treatment space of the treatment box, and the lid is biased to a closed state that closes the insertion opening. The photocatalyst module can be inserted into the treatment space through the insertion opening by moving the lid from the closed state against the bias, and the photocatalyst module closes the insertion opening when it is positioned in the treatment space. The processing space of the processing box communicates with the external space through the first opening and the second opening, In the processing space, an airflow is formed between the first and second openings. The inlet and ultraviolet light source are located between the first and second openings in the processing space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air treatment device that effectively prevents the emission of ultraviolet rays to the outside of the treatment space when the photocatalytic module is removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment, in a cross-section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment in a cross-section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment with the reflector separated from the treatment box, and partially showing a cross-section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the outer chassis of the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the outer chassis of the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment, with the top wall omitted. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the processing box and reflector of the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the processing box and reflector of the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment, with the top wall of the processing box omitted. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the processing box and reflector of the air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment, with the reflector separated from the processing box and the top wall of the processing box omitted. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the lighting fixture of the air treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a photocatalytic module of an air treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the processing box and reflector of the air treatment apparatus according to the first modified example, showing the lid and its vicinity in a cross-section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction of the processing box. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the processing box of the air treatment apparatus according to the first modified example, showing the lid and its vicinity in a cross-section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction of the processing box. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the processing box and reflector of the air treatment apparatus according to the first modified example, with the top wall of the processing box omitted. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the processing box and reflector of the air treatment apparatus according to the third modified example, with the reflector separated from the processing box, and is a cross-sectional view taken perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction of the processing box. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The air treatment apparatus (1) of the embodiment comprises a processing box (15), an ultraviolet light source (41), lids (70; 70A, 70B), and photocatalytic modules (42; 42A, 42B). A processing space (30) is formed inside the processing box (15), and the processing space (30) can communicate with the outside space through an inlet (73; 73A, 73B). The ultraviolet light source (41) irradiates ultraviolet light into the processing space (30) of the processing box (15), and the lids (70; 70A, 70B) are biased to a closed state that closes the inlet (73; 73A, 73B). The photocatalytic module (42; 42A, 42B) can be inserted into the processing space (30) through the insertion opening (73; 73A, 73B) by moving the lid portion (70; 70A, 70B) from a closed state against the biasing force, and when the photocatalytic module (42; 42A, 42B) is positioned in the processing space (30), the insertion opening (73; 73A, 73B) is closed. As a result, when the photocatalytic module (42; 42A, 42B) is removed, the emission of ultraviolet light from the processing space (30) to the outside of the processing box (15) is effectively prevented.

[0009] In the air processing apparatus (1) of the embodiment, the processing space (30) of the processing box (15) communicates with the outside space at the first opening (37) and the second opening (38), respectively, and the inlet (73;73A) and the ultraviolet light source (41) are located in the processing space (30) between the first opening (37) and the second opening (38). The air processing apparatus (1) is equipped with a fan (40), which is positioned in the processing space (30) facing the first opening (37). By driving the fan (40), an airflow is formed in the processing space (30) between the first opening (37) and the second opening (38), and the inlet (73;73A) is located in the processing space (30) between the second opening (38) and the ultraviolet light source (41). As a result, when air sterilization and deodorization are being performed in the processing space (30) using ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source (41) and the photocatalytic module (42; 42A), the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source (41) toward the second aperture (38) is blocked by the photocatalytic module (42; 42A), effectively preventing ultraviolet light from being emitted from the processing space (30) to the outside of the processing box (15) through the second aperture (38).

[0010] In the air treatment apparatus (1) of this embodiment, the lid (70) comprises a first lid member (71A) and a second lid member (71B). When the lid (70) is closed, the first lid member (71A) and the second lid member (71B) cooperate with each other to close the inlet (73). This reduces the influence of the lid (70), including the first lid member (71A) and the second lid member (71B), on the incidence of ultraviolet light and the inflow of air into the photocatalyst module (42).

[0011] In the air treatment device (1) of this embodiment, when the lid (70) is closed, a part of the first lid member (71A) overlaps with a part of the second lid member (71B). Even with multiple lid members (71A, 71B), when the photocatalytic module (42) is removed from the treatment space (30), ultraviolet light is effectively prevented from being emitted from the treatment space (30) to the outside of the treatment box (15) through the insertion opening (73).

[0012] In the air treatment apparatus (1) of the embodiment, in a state where the photocatalyst module (42) is disposed in the treatment space (30), the first lid member (71A) is located on the side where the ultraviolet light source (41) is positioned with respect to the photocatalyst module (42), and the second lid member (71B) is located on the side opposite to the side where the ultraviolet light source (41) is positioned with respect to the photocatalyst module (42). In a state where the photocatalyst module (42) is disposed in the treatment space (30), each of the first lid member (71A) and the second lid member (71B) protrudes inward from the inner surface of the treatment box (15). In a state where the photocatalyst module (42) is disposed in the treatment space (3), the protruding length (D1) of the first lid member (71A) from the inner surface of the treatment box (15) is larger than the protruding length (D2) of the second lid member (71B) from the inner surface of the treatment box (15). Thereby, in a state where the photocatalyst module (42) is removed, emission of ultraviolet rays from the treatment space (30) to the outside of the treatment box (15) through the insertion port (73) is more effectively prevented.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First Embodiment) First, as an example of an embodiment, the first embodiment will be described. Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 show an air treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment. The air treatment device 1 is an air treatment device with integrated lighting. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the air treatment device 1 comprises an outer chassis 10, lighting fixtures 12, a processing box 15, and a reflector 16. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, two lighting fixtures 12 are provided on the air treatment device 1. The air treatment device 1 and the outer chassis 10 are defined in the depth direction (direction indicated by arrow X1), the lateral direction (direction indicated by arrow Y1) that intersects (orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to) the depth direction, and the height direction (direction indicated by arrow Z1) that intersects (orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to) both the depth direction and the lateral direction. The depth direction is also called the X direction, the lateral direction is also called the Y direction, and the height direction is also called the Z direction. Figure 1 is a perspective view, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section that is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the depth direction. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing a portion of the structure in a cross-section perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the lateral direction. Figure 4 shows the reflector 16 separated from the processing box 15.

[0015] The outer chassis 10 is installed on a wall surface 13 such as a ceiling (see Figure 2). When the outer chassis 10 is installed on a ceiling, the height direction of the air treatment device 1 and the outer chassis 10 coincides with or approximately coincides with the vertical direction (direction of gravity). The outer chassis 10 is equipped with a top wall 21 and a perimeter wall 22, and the inner cavity 23 is defined by the top wall 21 and the perimeter wall 22 of the outer chassis 10. The top wall 21 is also called the chassis top wall. In this embodiment, the inner cavity 23 is a space that communicates with the outside in at least one direction and is not a closed space. In the outer chassis 10, the top wall 21 is adjacent to the inner cavity 23 from one side in the height direction, and the perimeter wall 22 surrounds the inner cavity 23 from the outer periphery side over its entire circumference. The top wall 21 is positioned in a state where it is in contact with the wall surface 13 such as a ceiling, or in a state where it is facing the wall surface 13. In addition, the outer chassis 10 may have an internal cavity 23 defined by the top wall 21, the peripheral walls 22, and the chassis bottom wall. In this case, the internal cavity 23 becomes a closed space, and the outer chassis 10 takes on a box shape with the internal cavity 23 formed inside.

[0016] Furthermore, in the outer chassis 10, the peripheral wall 22 is connected to the top wall 21 and extends from the top wall 21 along the height direction. The peripheral wall 22 may be composed of, for example, one member or multiple members. The internal cavity 23 opens on the side opposite to the side where the top wall 21 is located in the height direction. At the opening of the internal cavity 23, the opening edge is formed by the end of the peripheral wall 22 opposite to the top wall 21. At the opening, the internal cavity 23 opens toward the space defined by the wall surface 13 of a room or the like, and the internal cavity 23 and the space defined by the wall surface 13 of a room or the like are in communication. When the outer chassis 10 is installed on the ceiling surface, the internal cavity 23 opens toward the vertical downward side at the opening.

[0017] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the outer chassis 10. As shown in Figure 5, in the outer chassis 10, a frame 25 is installed on the inner surface, which is one side of the top wall 21. The frame 25 is located in an internal cavity 23 surrounded by the peripheral wall 22. The frame 25 is, for example, integrally constructed with the top wall 21. In the example shown in Figure 5, three frames 25 are installed, and the three frames 25 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the outer chassis 10. Of the three frames 25, frame 25A is located in the center in the lateral direction of the outer chassis 10. Frame 25B is located side by side with respect to frame 25A on one side of the lateral direction of the outer chassis 10, and frame 25C is located side by side with respect to frame 25A on the opposite side of the lateral direction of the outer chassis 10 from frame 25B. Each of the frames 25 extends along the depth direction of the outer chassis 10, and within the outer chassis 10, each of the frames 25 extends from one end to the other in the depth direction.

[0018] In the outer chassis 10, a mounting bracket 26 is attached to each of the frames 25. In the example shown in Figure 5, two mounting brackets 26 are attached to each of the frames 25. The mounting brackets 26 are located in the internal cavity 23. In each of the frames 25, the two mounting brackets 26 are positioned apart from each other in the depth direction of the outer chassis 10. For example, in each of the frames 25, one of the two mounting brackets 26 is attached to one end in the depth direction of the outer chassis 10, and the other of the two mounting brackets 26 is attached to the other end in the depth direction of the outer chassis 10. Note that each of the frames 25 may be provided with only one mounting bracket 26, or with three or more mounting brackets 26.

[0019] Figure 6 shows the outer chassis 10 in a perspective view with the top wall 21 omitted. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in frame 25A, engagement holes 27A are formed on the side of the outer chassis 10 where frame 25B is located in the lateral direction, and engagement holes 27B are formed on the side of the outer chassis 10 where frame 25C is located in the lateral direction. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, two engagement holes 27A and two engagement holes 27B are formed. In frame 25A, the two engagement holes 27A are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction of the outer chassis 10, and the two engagement holes 27B are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction of the outer chassis 10.

[0020] Furthermore, in frame 25B, an engagement hole 28A is formed on the side of the outer chassis 10 on the side where frame 25A is located in the lateral direction, and in frame 25C, an engagement hole 28B is formed on the side of the outer chassis 10 on the side where frame 25A is located in the lateral direction. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, two engagement holes 28A and two engagement holes 28B are formed. In frame 25B, the two engagement holes 28A are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction of the outer chassis 10, and in frame 25C, the two engagement holes 28B are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction of the outer chassis 10.

[0021] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the processing box 15 and the reflector 16. Figure 7 shows the processing box 15 and the reflector 16 assembled together. As shown in Figure 7, the processing box 15 and the combination of the processing box 15 and the reflector 16 have defined dimensions: a depth direction (direction indicated by arrow X2), a lateral direction (direction indicated by arrow Y2) that intersects (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) the depth direction, and a height direction (direction indicated by arrow Z2) that intersects (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) both the depth and lateral directions. The depth direction indicated by arrow X1 in Figure 1 is parallel or nearly parallel to the depth direction indicated by arrow X2 in Figure 7, the lateral direction indicated by arrow Y1 in Figure 1 is parallel or nearly parallel to the lateral direction indicated by arrow Y2 in Figure 7, and the height direction indicated by arrow Z1 in Figure 1 is parallel or nearly parallel to the height direction indicated by arrow Z2 in Figure 7.

[0022] In the processing box 15, the dimensions along the depth direction are greater than the dimensions along the width direction, and the dimensions along the width direction are greater than the dimensions along the height direction. The processing box 15 comprises a top wall 31, a bottom wall 32, a pair of opposing side walls 33A, 33B, and a pair of opposing side walls 35A, 35B, forming an inner space enclosed by these walls. The top wall 31 is also called the box top wall, and the inner space of the processing box 15 is also called the processing space 30, as will be described later. In the processing box 15, at least the inner surface facing the inner space is formed from a material that reflects ultraviolet light, for example, from an aluminum alloy or a stainless steel alloy.

[0023] Figures 8 and 9 show the processing box 15 and reflector 16 in a perspective view with the top wall 31 of the processing box 15 omitted. Figure 8 shows the processing box 15 and reflector 16 assembled, and Figure 9 shows the reflector 16 separated from the processing box 15. As shown in Figures 3, 4, 8 and 9, a processing space 30 is formed inside the processing box 15. In the processing box 15, the top wall 31 and bottom wall 32 are positioned apart from each other in the height direction, facing each other with the processing space 30 in between. In addition, in the processing box 15, a peripheral wall is formed by the side walls 33A, 33B, 35A and 35B that surround the processing space 30 from the outer periphery to the entire circumference. Each of the side walls 33A, 33B, 35A and 35B extends from the top wall 31 to the bottom wall 32 along the height direction of the processing box 15.

[0024] The pair of side walls 33A and 33B are positioned apart from each other in the depth direction of the processing box 15, facing each other with the processing space 30 in between. The pair of side walls 35A and 35B are positioned apart from each other in the lateral direction of the processing box 15, facing each other with the processing space 30 in between. Each of the side walls 33A and 33B extends along the lateral direction of the processing box 15 from side wall 35A to side wall 35B. Each of the side walls 35A and 35B also extends along the depth direction of the processing box 15 from side wall 33A to side wall 33B.

[0025] Openings 37 and 38 are formed in the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15. The processing space 30 opens to the outside of the processing box 15 at each of the openings 37 and 38. At each of the openings 37 and 38, the processing space 30 opens to the side opposite to the side where the top wall 31 is located, in the height direction of the processing box 15. The openings 37 and 38 are located apart from each other in the depth direction of the processing box 15. For example, in the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15, an opening 37 is formed at one end in the depth direction, and an opening 38 is formed at the end opposite to the opening 37 in the depth direction.

[0026] A fan 40 is attached to the processing box 15, and the fan 40 is positioned in the processing space 30 inside the processing box 15. In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the fan 40 is attached to the inner surface of the bottom wall 32. The fan 40 faces the opening 37 from the side where the processing space 30 is located, that is, from the inside. In the following description, of the two openings 37 and 38, the one on which the fan 40 faces from the inside will be referred to as opening 37 and also as the first opening. The other of the two openings 37 and 38 that is different from the first opening will be referred to as opening 38 and also as the second opening. In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bottom wall 32 is formed in a louver shape at the opening 38, which is the second opening, and the opening 38 is configured to have multiple slit holes arranged in a row. However, the shapes of the openings 37 and 38 are not limited to those shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0027] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, the fan 40 is driven to introduce air into the processing space 30 inside the processing box 15 from outside the processing box 15 through the opening 37. Then, in the processing space 30, air flows from the opening 37 to the opening 38, forming an airflow from the opening 37 to the opening 38. The air that has flowed to the opening 38 is then discharged from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the opening 38. Therefore, the opening (first opening) 37 serves as an inlet for introducing air into the processing space 30, and the opening (second opening) 38 serves as an outlet for discharging air from the processing space 30.

[0028] In one example, by driving the fan 40, air may be introduced into the processing space 30 inside the processing box 15 from outside the processing box 15 through the opening 38. In this case, air flows from the opening 38 to the opening 37 in the processing space 30, forming an airflow from the opening 38 to the opening 37. The air that flows to the opening 37 is then discharged from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the opening 37. Therefore, in this example, the opening (second opening) 38 becomes an inlet for introducing air into the processing space 30, and the opening (first opening) 37 becomes an outlet for discharging air from the processing space 30.

[0029] Furthermore, an ultraviolet light source 41 is placed in the processing space 30 of the processing box 15. The ultraviolet light source 41 irradiates ultraviolet light in the processing space 30. The ultraviolet light source 41 is located between the openings 37 and 38 in the longitudinal direction of the processing box 15. That is, the ultraviolet light source 41 is located between the inlet and outlet in the processing space 30. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, the ultraviolet light source 41 is attached to the inner surface of the side wall 35A. However, the ultraviolet light source 41 may also be attached to the inner surface of the side wall 35B, or to the inner surface of the top wall 31 or the bottom wall 32. As mentioned above, the inner surface of the processing box 15 is formed from a material that reflects ultraviolet light. Therefore, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 41 in the processing space 30 is reflected by the inner surfaces of the top wall 31, the bottom wall 32, and the side walls 33A, 33B, 35A, and 35B, respectively. Therefore, ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 41 is effectively prevented from being emitted outside the processing box 15.

[0030] The reflector 16 is detachably assembled to the processing box 15. When assembled to the processing box 15, the reflector 16 covers the outside of the processing box 15. At least the surface of the reflector 16 that does not face the processing box 15 is formed from a material that reflects visible light, such as aluminum, ceramics, and silver. Therefore, the reflector 16 reflects visible light. The reflector 16 comprises a bottom plate portion 45 and inclined plate portions 46A and 46B. The bottom plate portion 45 is a relay between the inclined plate portions 46A and 46B, and each of the inclined plate portions 46A and 46B is inclined with respect to the bottom plate portion 45. When the reflector 16 is assembled to the processing box 15, the bottom plate portion 45 is located between the inclined plate portions 46A and 46B in the lateral direction of the processing box 15.

[0031] When the reflector 16 is assembled to the processing box 15, the bottom plate portion 45 covers the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15 (assembly) from the side opposite to the side where the top wall 31 is located in the height direction of the processing box 15, and abuts against the bottom wall 32. The inclined plate portion 46A covers the side wall 35A of the processing box 15 from the outside in the lateral direction of the processing box 15, and the inclined plate portion 46B covers the side wall 35B of the processing box 15 from the outside in the lateral direction of the processing box 15. Furthermore, when the reflector 16 is assembled to the processing box 15, in each of the inclined plate portions 46A and 46B, the outer part in the lateral direction of the assembly is further away from the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15 in the height direction of the assembly.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 9, in this embodiment, through holes 47 and 48 are formed in the bottom plate portion 45 of the reflector 16. When the reflector 16 is assembled with the processing box 15, the through holes 47 and 48 are positioned apart from each other in the depth direction of the processing box 15. Also, when the reflector 16 is assembled with the processing box 15, the through hole 47 faces the opening 37 of the processing box 15 from the outside, that is, from the opposite side of the processing space 30. And the through hole 48 faces the opening 38 of the processing box 15 from the outside, that is, from the opposite side of the processing space 30. For this reason, when the reflector 16 is assembled with the processing box 15, the processing space 30 opens to the outside of the assembly via the opening 37 and the through holes 47, and also opens to the outside of the assembly via the opening 38 and the through holes 48.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, when the reflector 16 is assembled to the processing box 15, the photocatalyst module 42 is placed in the processing space 30 of the processing box 15. The photocatalyst module 42 is positioned between the openings 37 and 38 in the longitudinal direction of the processing box 15. That is, when the reflector 16 is assembled to the processing box 15, the photocatalyst module 42 is located in the processing space 30 between the inlet and the outlet. In the photocatalyst module 42, the photocatalyst is supported on the surface of the base material. In the photocatalyst module 42, multiple (innumerable) through holes are formed in the base material, and the base material is formed from ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride. The photocatalyst supported on the base material is formed from metal oxides such as titanium oxide and tungsten oxide.

[0034] The ultraviolet light source 41 irradiates the processing space 30 with ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the range of 320 nm or more and 400 nm or less, mainly irradiating with UV-A. In the processing space 30, ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 41 and ultraviolet light reflected from the inner surface of the processing box 15 after emission from the ultraviolet light source 41 irradiate the photocatalyst module 42. In the processing space 30, the irradiation of the photocatalyst module 42 mainly with UV-A from the ultraviolet light source 41 generates reactive oxygen species and OH radicals in the photocatalyst module 42. Then, the generated reactive oxygen species and OH radicals decompose viruses, bacteria, and odor-causing substances contained in the air of the processing space 30. As a result, the air in the processing space 30 is deodorized and sterilized.

[0035] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, the ultraviolet light source 41 irradiates the processing space 30 with ultraviolet light (UV-C) having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm or more and 320 nm or less, in addition to the aforementioned UV-A. In this case, UV-C is irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 41 in addition to UV-A in the processing space 30. The UV-C is irradiated onto the air flowing between the apertures 37 and 38, that is, the air flowing from the inlet to the outlet. In the processing space 30, the activity of viruses and bacteria contained in the air is suppressed by the irradiation of the air with UV-C from the ultraviolet light source 41. As a result, the air in the processing space 30 is disinfected.

[0036] Here, "disinfection" means inactivating viruses and bacteria present in the air, and it is also possible to use terms such as "sterilization," "disinfection," and "sterilization" instead of "disinfection." For this reason, although the term "disinfection" is used in this embodiment, it can be replaced with "sterilization," "disinfection," and "sterilization."

[0037] Due to the configuration described above, in the assembly in which the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, air is introduced into the processing space 30 through the through-hole 47 and opening 37, or through the through-hole 48 and opening 38, by driving the fan 40. Then, in the processing space 30, air flows between the openings 37 and 38, forming an airflow from the inlet to the outlet. In addition, in the processing space 30, deodorization and sterilization of the air are performed using ultraviolet light (mainly UV-A) and the photocatalyst module 42, and sterilization of the air is also performed using ultraviolet light (mainly UV-C). The sterilized and deodorized air is then discharged to the outside of the assembly through the opening 38 and through-hole 48, or through the opening 37 and through-hole 47.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, mounting brackets 51 are installed on the outer surface of the top wall 31 of the processing box 15, that is, on the surface of the top wall 31 facing away from the processing space 30. In one example, as shown in Figure 7, two mounting brackets 51 are installed on the processing box 15. The two mounting brackets 51 are positioned apart from each other in the depth direction of the processing box 15. In the processing box 15, one spring member 52 is provided corresponding to each mounting bracket 51, and one corresponding spring member 52 is connected to each mounting bracket 51. In one example, as shown in Figures 1 to 9, each of the two spring members 52 is attached to the top wall 31 of the processing box 15 via the corresponding mounting bracket 51.

[0039] Furthermore, each of the spring members 52 can be hooked onto each of the receiving brackets 26 provided on the outer chassis 10, and each of the spring members 52 engages with the receiving bracket 26 to which it is hooked. In this embodiment, the receiving brackets 26 are positioned on the top wall 21 of the outer chassis 10 facing the internal cavity 23. In one example, the outer chassis 10 is box-shaped, and the receiving brackets 26 are positioned on the bottom wall of the chassis of the outer chassis 10, not facing the internal cavity 23.

[0040] In the air processing device 1 of this embodiment, each of the two spring members 52 attached to the processing box 15 engages with a corresponding one of two mounting brackets 26 provided on the frame 25A. This allows the processing box 15 to be attached to the outer chassis 10 at frame 25A. Alternatively, in the air processing device 1, each of the two spring members 52 may be engaged with a corresponding one of two mounting brackets 26 provided on frame 25B. In this case, the processing box 15 is attached to the outer chassis 10 at frame 25B. Similarly, in the air processing device 1, each of the two spring members 52 may be engaged with a corresponding one of two mounting brackets 26 provided on frame 25C. In this case, the processing box 15 is attached to the outer chassis 10 at frame 25C. Note that the structure for attaching the processing box 15 to the outer chassis 10 is not limited to the structures described above. For example, a suitable structure used for attaching lighting fixtures to fixed structures may be applied as a structure for detachably attaching the processing box 15 to the outer chassis 10.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the reflector 16, an engaging piece 53A is attached to the end of the inclined plate portion 46A opposite to the bottom plate portion 45, and an engaging piece 53B is attached to the end of the inclined plate portion 46B opposite to the bottom plate portion 45. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, two engaging pieces 53A and two engaging pieces 53B are provided. When the reflector 16 is assembled with the processing box 15, the engaging pieces 53B are located on the opposite side of the processing box 15 from the engaging pieces 53A in the lateral direction of the assembly (processing box 15). Also, when the reflector 16 is assembled with the processing box 15, the two engaging pieces 53A are positioned apart from each other in the depth direction of the assembly, and the two engaging pieces 53B are positioned apart from each other in the depth direction of the assembly.

[0042] In the air processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the processing box 15 is attached to the frame 25A of the outer chassis 10. In this case, in the reflector 16, each of the two engaging pieces 53A is inserted into one of the two engaging holes 28A of the frame 25B and engages with the corresponding one of the two engaging holes 28A. Then, each of the two engaging pieces 53B is inserted into one of the two engaging holes 28B of the frame 25C and engages with the corresponding one of the two engaging holes 28B. The reflector 16 is attached to the outer chassis 10 by the engagement of each engaging piece 53A with the corresponding one of the engaging holes 28A, and by the engagement of each engaging piece 53B with the corresponding one of the engaging holes 28B.

[0043] When the processing box 15 is attached to the frame 25B of the outer chassis 10, the reflector 16 is not provided with the inclined plate portion 46A and the engaging piece 53A, and the bottom plate portion 45 is connected to the processing box 15. Then, each of the two engaging pieces 53B is inserted into the corresponding one of the two engaging holes 27A of the frame 25A and engaged with the corresponding one of the two engaging holes 27A to attach the reflector 16 to the outer chassis 10. When the processing box 15 is attached to the frame 25C of the outer chassis 10, the reflector 16 is not provided with the inclined plate portion 46B and the engaging piece 53B, and the bottom plate portion 45 is connected to the processing box 15. Then, each of the two engaging pieces 53A is inserted into the corresponding one of the two engaging holes 27B of the frame 25A and engaged with the corresponding one of the two engaging holes 27B to attach the reflector 16 to the outer chassis 10.

[0044] As described above, when the processing box 15 and reflector 16 are attached to the outer chassis 10, the combined body of the processing box 15 and reflector 16 is positioned in the internal cavity 23 defined by the outer chassis 10, regardless of whether the processing box 15 is attached to any of the frames 25A to 25C. Furthermore, when the processing box 15 and reflector 16 are attached to the outer chassis 10, the depth direction of the processing box 15 (combined body) coincides with or approximately coincides with the depth direction of the outer chassis 10 (air treatment device 1), the lateral direction of the processing box 15 coincides with or approximately coincides with the lateral direction of the outer chassis 10, and the height direction of the processing box 15 coincides with or approximately coincides with the height direction of the outer chassis 10. When the processing box 15 and the reflector 16 are attached to the outer chassis 10, the processing space 30 opens in the openings 37 (through hole 47) and 38 (through hole 48) respectively toward the side opposite to the side where the top wall 21 of the outer chassis 10 is located. Therefore, when the assembly is attached to the outer chassis 10, the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15 is located further away from the top wall 21 of the outer chassis 10 than the top wall 31 of the processing box 15.

[0045] Furthermore, by driving the fan 40 while the combined body of the processing box 15 and the reflector 16 is attached to the outer chassis 10, air is introduced into the processing space 30 from the space defined by the wall surface 13 on which the outer chassis 10 is installed, through the through-holes 47 and openings 37, or through the through-holes 48 and openings 38. Then, in the processing space 30, the introduced air is disinfected and deodorized as described above. The disinfected and deodorized air is then discharged into the space defined by the wall surface 13 through the openings 38 and through-holes 48, or through the openings 37 and through-holes 47.

[0046] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the lighting fixture 12. As shown in Figure 10, the lighting fixture 12 has defined longitudinal direction (direction indicated by arrow X3), width direction (direction indicated by arrow Y3) that intersects (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) the longitudinal direction, and height direction (direction indicated by arrow Z3) that intersects (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) both the longitudinal and width directions. In the lighting fixture 12, the dimensions along the longitudinal direction are larger than the dimensions along the width direction and the dimensions along the height direction. Note that the depth direction indicated by arrow X1 in Figure 1 is parallel or nearly parallel to the longitudinal direction indicated by arrow X3 in Figure 10, the lateral direction indicated by arrow Y1 in Figure 1 is parallel or nearly parallel to the width direction indicated by arrow Y3 in Figure 10, and the height direction indicated by arrow Z1 in Figure 1 is parallel or nearly parallel to the height direction indicated by arrow Z3 in Figure 10.

[0047] The lighting fixture 12 comprises a top plate 55 and a cover member 56. In the lighting fixture 12, the cover member 56 is attached to the top plate 55 from one side in the height direction. In the lighting fixture 12, a light-emitting element (not shown) that emits visible light, such as a visible light LED, is arranged in the internal space enclosed by the top plate 55 and the cover member 56. The light-emitting element is attached, for example, to the inner surface of the top plate 55. In one example, the lighting fixture 12 is an LED bar equipped with multiple visible light LEDs as light-emitting elements. The top plate 55 does not transmit visible light, or transmits very little visible light. The cover member 56 is made of a material that can transmit visible light, such as glass. Therefore, in the lighting fixture 12, visible light from the light-emitting element is irradiated through the cover member 56 and is irradiated toward the side where the cover member 56 is located in the height direction.

[0048] In the lighting fixture 12, a mounting bracket 61 similar to the mounting bracket 51 is installed on the outer surface of the top plate 55, that is, on the surface of the top plate 55 facing away from the cover member 56. In the example shown in Figure 10, two mounting brackets 61 are installed on one lighting fixture 12. The two mounting brackets 61 are positioned apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the lighting fixture 12. Each lighting fixture 12 is provided with one spring member 62 similar to the spring member 52, corresponding to each mounting bracket 61, and one corresponding spring member 62 is connected to each mounting bracket 61. In the example shown in Figure 10, each of the two spring members 62 is attached to the top plate 55 of the lighting fixture 12 via the corresponding mounting bracket 61. In addition, each of the spring members 62, similar to the spring member 52, can be hooked onto each of the receiving brackets 26 provided on the outer chassis 10, and each of the spring members 62 engages with the receiving bracket 26 to which it is hooked.

[0049] In the air treatment device 1 of this embodiment, two lighting fixtures 12 are attached to the outer chassis 10. On one of the two lighting fixtures 12, each of the two spring members 62 engages with the corresponding one of the two mounting brackets 26 provided on the frame 25B. As a result, one of the two lighting fixtures 12 is attached to the outer chassis 10 on the frame 25B. On the other of the two lighting fixtures 12, each of the two spring members 62 engages with the corresponding one of the two mounting brackets 26 provided on the frame 25C. As a result, the other of the two lighting fixtures 12 is attached to the outer chassis 10 on the frame 25C. In addition, in the air treatment device 1, lighting fixtures 12 can also be attached to the frame 25A. In this case, the lighting fixtures 12 are attached to the frame 25A by engaging each of the two spring members 62 with the corresponding one of the two mounting brackets 26 provided on the frame 25A.

[0050] As described above, when the lighting fixture 12 is attached to the outer chassis 10, the lighting fixture 12 is positioned in the internal cavity 23 defined by the outer chassis 10, regardless of whether the lighting fixture 12 is attached to any of the frames 25A to 25C. Furthermore, when the lighting fixture 12 is attached to the outer chassis 10, the longitudinal direction of the lighting fixture 12 coincides with or approximately coincides with the depth direction of the outer chassis 10 (air treatment device 1), the width direction of the lighting fixture 12 coincides with or approximately coincides with the lateral direction of the outer chassis 10, and the height direction of the lighting fixture 12 coincides with or approximately coincides with the height direction of the outer chassis 10. When the lighting fixture 12 is attached to the outer chassis 10, the cover member 56 is positioned on the side opposite to the side where the top wall 21 of the outer chassis 10 is located, relative to the top plate 55.

[0051] Furthermore, when the lighting fixture 12 is operated while it is attached to the outer chassis 10, the lighting fixture 12 emits visible light toward the side opposite to the side where the top wall 21 of the outer chassis 10 is located. As a result, visible light from the lighting fixture 12 is emitted into the space defined by the wall surface 13 on which the outer chassis 10 is installed. In the air treatment device 1, a reflector 16 that reflects visible light covers the outside of the processing box 15. This effectively prevents visible light from the lighting fixture 12 from entering the processing space 30 of the processing box 15 in the air treatment device 1.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, the photocatalytic module 42 is attached to the reflector 16. Because the photocatalytic module 42 is attached to the reflector 16, the photocatalytic module 42 is separated from the processing box 15 together with the reflector 16 when the reflector 16 is separated from the processing box 15. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, the photocatalytic module 42 is attached to the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 45 of the reflector 16. The photocatalytic module 42 is also positioned between the through holes 47 and 48 in the reflector 16. Note that no through holes other than the through holes 47 and 48 are formed in the reflector 16, and no through holes are formed at the position where the photocatalytic module 42 is attached.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, an insertion opening 73 is formed in the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15, in addition to the openings 37 and 38. The processing space 30 can be opened to the outside of the processing box 15 at the insertion opening 73. The insertion opening 73 is located between the openings 37 and 38 in the depth direction of the processing box 15. The insertion opening 73 is located between the opening (second opening) 38 and the ultraviolet light source 41, and is positioned on the side of the ultraviolet light source 41 where the opening 38 is located. That is, the insertion opening 73 is formed between the side of the openings 37 and 38 where the fan 40 is not positioned opposite and the ultraviolet light source 41. For this reason, the distance from the insertion opening 73 to the opening 38 is smaller than the distance from the insertion opening 73 to the opening (first opening) 37.

[0054] The photocatalytic module 42 can be inserted into the processing space 30 through the insertion port 73 of the processing box 15. Therefore, when the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, the photocatalytic module 42 is inserted into the processing space 30 through the insertion port 73 of the processing box 15 and positioned in the processing space 30. When the reflector 16 is separated from the processing box 15, the photocatalytic module 42 is removed from the processing space 30 through the insertion port 73. When the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, the photocatalytic module 42 is adjacent to the insertion port 73 of the bottom wall 32 from the inside, that is, from the side where the processing space 30 is located. Therefore, when the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, the photocatalytic module 42 is located between the opening 38 and the ultraviolet light source 41, and is positioned on the side where the opening 38 is located relative to the ultraviolet light source 41.

[0055] A lid portion 70 capable of closing the insertion opening 73 is attached to the processing box 15. In this embodiment, the lid portion 70 is composed of a single lid member 71. The lid member 71 has a connecting end that is connected to the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15, and a non-connecting end (free end) on the opposite side of the connecting end. The lid member 71 is attached to the processing box 15 via a biasing member 72 such as a spring member. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 9, the lid member 71 is installed on the inner surface of the bottom wall 32 and attached to the bottom wall 32 near the insertion opening 73. The connecting end of the lid member 71 is connected to the inner surface of the processing box 15 at a connection position on the side of the insertion opening 73 where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located. The lid member 71 constituting the lid portion 70 is biased by the biasing member 72 to a closed state that closes the insertion opening 73. In Figures 4 and 9, the lid member 71 in the closed state of the lid portion 70 is shown by a dashed line.

[0056] When the reflector 16 is separated from the processing box 15, that is, when the photocatalytic module 42 is not placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71 (lid portion 70) is closed by the biasing force from the biasing member 72. Therefore, when the photocatalytic module 42 is not placed in the processing space 30, the insertion opening 73 is closed by the lid portion 70. When the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, the lid member 71 (lid portion 70) moves from the closed state against the biasing force from the biasing member 72, and the photocatalytic module 42 is inserted into the processing space 30 from the insertion opening 73. In examples such as Figures 1 to 9, the photocatalytic module 42 presses the closed lid member 71 toward the inside of the processing box 15, that is, toward the side where the processing space 30 is located, causing the lid member 71 to move from the closed state.

[0057] When the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, that is, when the photocatalyst module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the photocatalyst module 42 and the reflector 16 close the insertion opening 73 instead of the lid 70. Also, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, when the photocatalyst module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71 protrudes from the inner surface of the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15 toward the inside of the processing box 15. In this case, the non-connected end of the lid member 71 forms the protruding end of the portion that protrudes from the inner surface of the processing box 15. Also, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, when the photocatalyst module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71 is located on the side of the photocatalyst module 42 where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located. And when the photocatalyst module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71 is adjacent to the photocatalyst module 42 from the side where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located.

[0058] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the photocatalytic module 42. As shown in Figure 11, the photocatalytic module has defined dimensions in the thickness direction (direction indicated by arrow T1), the width direction (direction indicated by arrow W1) which intersects (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) the thickness direction, and the height direction (direction indicated by arrow H1) which intersects (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) both the thickness direction and the width direction. In the photocatalytic module 42, the dimensions in the thickness direction are smaller than the dimensions in the width direction and the dimensions in the height direction. The photocatalytic module 42 has a pair of main surfaces 65 and 66. In the photocatalytic module 42, the main surface 65 faces one side in the thickness direction, and the main surface 66 faces the opposite side of the main surface 65 in the thickness direction.

[0059] The photocatalytic module 42 has multiple holes 67 formed therein, each of which extends along the thickness direction from the main surface 65 to the main surface 66. Therefore, in the photocatalytic module 42, air flowing in from one side in the thickness direction can pass through the photocatalytic module 42 through the holes 67. In other words, air can permeate the photocatalytic module 42 along the thickness direction. Furthermore, when ultraviolet light is incident on the photocatalytic module 42 from one side in the thickness direction, a portion of the incident ultraviolet light passes through the photocatalytic module 42 through the holes 67, etc., while the remaining portion of the incident ultraviolet light is blocked from passing through the photocatalytic module 42. Also, when ultraviolet light is incident on the photocatalytic module 42 from one side in the width direction, most of the incident ultraviolet light is blocked from passing through the photocatalytic module 42, and the incident ultraviolet light does not pass through the photocatalytic module 42 or hardly passes through at all.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, in this embodiment, the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30 such that its height direction coincides with or substantially coincides with the height direction of the processing box 15. When the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the thickness direction of the photocatalytic module 42 coincides with or substantially coincides with the depth direction of the processing box 15, and the width direction of the photocatalytic module 42 coincides with or substantially coincides with the lateral direction of the processing box 15. Therefore, the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction aligns with the airflow direction in the processing space 30 from the inlet to the outlet (airflow between the openings 37 and 38). Consequently, in the photocatalytic module placed in the processing space 30, one of the main surfaces 65 and 66 faces the side where the inlet is located, and the other of the main surfaces 65 and 66 faces the side where the outlet is located.

[0061] In the air treatment device 1, the photocatalytic module 42 needs to be cleaned or replaced periodically. The following describes the operation and mechanism when replacing the photocatalytic module 42, but the same operation and mechanism can be applied to the removal of the photocatalytic module 42 when cleaning it. In this embodiment, the photocatalytic module 42 is inserted into the treatment space 30 through an insertion port 73 separate from the air inlet and outlet. The lid portion 70 is then biased to a closed state that closes the insertion port 73. As a result, even when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed from the treatment space 30 during replacement, the insertion port 73 is closed by the lid portion 70 (lid member 71). Therefore, when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed from the treatment space 30, ultraviolet rays are effectively prevented from being emitted from the treatment space 30 to the outside of the treatment box 15 through the insertion port 73. Thus, when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed, the emission of ultraviolet rays from the treatment space 30 to the outside of the treatment box 15 is effectively prevented.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the photocatalytic module 42 can be inserted into the processing space 30 from the insertion opening 73 by moving the lid 70 from the closed state against the biasing force. Therefore, even with the lid 70 in place, the photocatalytic module 42 is properly positioned in the processing space 30. Also, in this embodiment, when the photocatalytic module 42 is positioned in the processing space 30, the photocatalytic module 42 closes the insertion opening 73. Therefore, even when air sterilization and deodorization are being performed in the processing space 30 using ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 41 and the photocatalytic module 42, ultraviolet light is effectively prevented from being emitted from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the insertion opening 73.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 41 and the insertion port 73 are located between the openings 37 and 38 in the processing space 30, and the fan 40 is positioned facing the opening (first opening) 37 in the processing space 30. The insertion port 73 and the lid 70 are located between the opening (second opening) 38 and the ultraviolet light source 41 in the processing space 30. As a result, when the photocatalytic module 42 is inserted into the processing space 30 from the insertion port 73, the photocatalytic module 42 is positioned between the ultraviolet light source 41 and the opening 38 in the processing space 30. This effectively prevents ultraviolet light from being emitted from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the opening 38, as ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 41 and the photocatalytic module 42 are used to disinfect and deodorize the air in the processing space 30. Furthermore, ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 41 toward the aperture 37 is blocked by the fan 40, effectively preventing ultraviolet light from being emitted from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the aperture 37.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71 is positioned on the side of the photocatalytic module 42 where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located. Therefore, when the lid member 71 changes to a closed state by removing the photocatalytic module 42 from the processing space 30 through the insertion opening 73, ultraviolet light is effectively prevented from being emitted to the outside of the processing box 15 through the insertion opening 73. Consequently, when replacing the photocatalytic module 42, ultraviolet light is further effectively prevented from being emitted from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the insertion opening 73.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the photocatalytic module 42 is positioned in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction coincides with or substantially coincides with the depth direction of the processing box 15. Therefore, the photocatalytic module 42 is positioned in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction aligns with the direction of airflow between the openings 37 and 38. As a result, air flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through the photocatalytic module 42 via the holes 67, etc. By sterilizing and deodorizing the air using ultraviolet light and the photocatalytic module 42 while the air flowing between the openings 37 and 38 passes through the photocatalytic module 42, the sterilization and deodorization performance of the air is improved.

[0066] (modified version) In the embodiments described above, the lid portion 70 is composed of one lid member 71, but it is not limited to this. In the first modified example shown in Figures 12 and 13, the lid portion 70 is composed of two lid members 71A and 71B. Figure 12 shows the lid portion 70 and its vicinity in the combination of the processing box 15 and the reflector 16, and Figure 13 shows the lid portion 70 and its vicinity in the processing box 15. Figures 12 and 13 also show cross-sections of the processing box 15 that are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction. Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 13, the reflector 16 is separated from the processing box 15, and the photocatalyst module 42 is not placed in the processing space 30.

[0067] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, in this modified example, when the lid portion 70 is closed, the two lid members 71A and 71B cooperate with each other to close the insertion opening 73. In the example shown in Figures 12 and 13, each of the lid members 71A and 71B is installed on the inner surface of the bottom wall 32 and attached to the bottom wall 32 near the insertion opening 73. Each of the lid members 71A and 71B has a connecting end that is connected to the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15, and a non-connecting end that is the end opposite to the connecting end. The lid member (first lid member) 71A is attached to the processing box 15 via a biasing member 72A such as a spring member, and the lid member (second lid member) 71B is attached to the processing box 15 via a biasing member 72B such as a spring member. Furthermore, the lid member 71A is biased by the biasing member 72A to be in a closed state that closes the insertion opening 73, and the lid member 71B is biased by the biasing member 72B to be in a closed state that closes the insertion opening 73.

[0068] In this modified example, the insertion opening 73 is formed in the processing space 30 between the ultraviolet light source 41 and the opening 38. In this modified example, the connection end of the lid member 71A is connected to the inner surface of the processing box 15 at the connection position on the side of the insertion opening 73 where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located, and the connection end of the lid member 71B is connected to the inner surface of the processing box 15 at the connection position on the side of the insertion opening 73 where the opening 38 is located. When the lid 70 is closed, a part of the lid member 71A overlaps a part of the lid member 71B, and the insertion opening 73 is closed by the lid members 71A and 71B. In the example shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the lid 70 is closed, the unconnected end of the lid member 71A and its vicinity overlap the unconnected end of the lid member 71B and its vicinity. Furthermore, in the portion where the lid member 71A overlaps with the lid member 71B, the lid member 71A abuts against the lid member 71B from the side where the processing space 30 is located, that is, from the inside.

[0069] In this modified example, the photocatalytic module 42 presses the closed lid members 71A and 71B toward the inside of the processing box 15, that is, toward the side where the processing space 30 is located, causing the lid members 71A and 71B constituting the lid portion 70 to move from their closed state. As a result, the photocatalytic module 42 is inserted into the processing space 30 from the insertion opening 73, and the photocatalytic module 42 is positioned in the processing space 30. In this modified example as well, when the photocatalytic module 42 is positioned in the processing space 30, the photocatalytic module 42 and the reflector plate 16 close the insertion opening 73 instead of the lid portion 70.

[0070] Furthermore, in this modified configuration, when the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, each of the lid members 71A and 71B protrudes from the inner surface of the bottom wall 32 of the processing box 15 toward the inside of the processing box 15. At this time, the protruding ends of the parts that protrude from the inner surface of the processing box 15 are formed by the unconnected ends of each of the lid members 71A and 71B. Also, in this modified configuration, when the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71A is located on the side of the photocatalytic module 42 where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located, and is adjacent to the photocatalytic module 42 from the side where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located. And, when the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71B is located on the side of the photocatalytic module 42 where the opening 38 is located, and is adjacent to the photocatalytic module 42 from the opposite side from where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located.

[0071] Furthermore, in this modified example, when the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member (first lid member) 71A protrudes from the inner surface of the processing box 15 by a protrusion length D1. And when the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member (second lid member) 71B protrudes from the inner surface of the processing box 15 by a protrusion length D2. In this modified example, the dimension from the connected end to the unconnected end of lid member 71A is larger than the dimension from the connected end to the unconnected end of lid member 71B. Therefore, the protrusion length D1 of lid member 71A is larger than the protrusion length D2 of lid member 71B.

[0072] This modified example also produces the same functions and effects as the embodiments described above. Therefore, in this modified example as well, when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed, the emission of ultraviolet rays from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 is effectively prevented.

[0073] Furthermore, in this modified example, the lid portion 70 is composed of two lid members 71A and 71B. This makes it possible to close the insertion opening 73 with the lid members 71A and 71B even if the dimension from the connecting end to the non-connecting end of each of the lid members 71A and 71B is reduced. By reducing the dimension from the connecting end to the non-connecting end of the lid members 71A and 71B, it becomes possible to reduce the area in which the lid members 71A, etc. block the incidence of ultraviolet rays and the inflow of air into the photocatalyst module 42 when the photocatalyst module 42 is placed in the processing space 30. As a result, the influence of the lid portion 70 (lid members 71A and 71B) on the incidence of ultraviolet rays and the inflow of air into the photocatalyst module 42 is reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, in this modified example, when the lid portion 70 is closed, a part of the lid member 71A overlaps with a part of the lid member 71B. Therefore, when the lid portion 70 is closed, ultraviolet rays are effectively prevented from being emitted to the outside of the processing box 15 through the gap between the lid members 71A and 71B. Consequently, even if multiple lid members 71A and 71B are provided, when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed from the processing space 30, ultraviolet rays are effectively prevented from being emitted from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the insertion opening 73.

[0075] Furthermore, in this modified configuration, when the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the lid member 71A is located on the side of the photocatalytic module 42 where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located, and the lid member 71B is located on the opposite side of the photocatalytic module 42 from where the ultraviolet light source 41 is located. When the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30, the protruding length D1 of the lid member (first lid member) 71A is greater than the protruding length D2 of the lid member (second lid member) 71B. Therefore, when the lid members 71A and 71B are closed by removing the photocatalytic module 42 from the processing space 30 through the insertion opening 73, ultraviolet light is effectively prevented from being emitted to the outside of the processing box 15 through the gap between the lid members 71A and 71B. Consequently, when replacing the photocatalytic module 42, ultraviolet light is even more effectively prevented from being emitted from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the insertion opening 73.

[0076] In one modified example, the lid portion 70 is composed of three or more lid members, and when the lid portion 70 is closed, the three or more lid members cooperate with each other to close the insertion opening 73. In another modified example, when the lid portion 70 is closed, lid member 71A does not overlap with lid member 71B. In this case, it is preferable that when the lid portion 70 is closed, the non-connecting end of lid member 71A is in contact with the non-connecting end of lid member 71B. This effectively prevents ultraviolet rays from being emitted to the outside of the processing box 15 through the gap between lid members 71A and 71B when the lid portion 70 is closed.

[0077] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the photocatalytic module 42 is arranged in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction coincides with or substantially coincides with the airflow direction between the openings 37 and 38, but it is not limited to this. In the second modified example shown in Figure 14, the photocatalytic module 42 is arranged in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction intersects with the airflow direction between the openings 37 and 38. Figure 14 shows the state in which the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, with the top wall 31 of the processing box 15 omitted.

[0078] In the modified example shown in Figure 14, the thickness direction of the photocatalytic module 42, which is placed in the processing space 30, is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the airflow direction between the openings 37 and 38. In another modified example, the photocatalytic module 42 may be placed in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction is inclined with respect to the airflow direction between the openings 37 and 38. However, in all cases, as with the embodiments described above, the photocatalytic module 42 is placed in the processing space 30 such that its height direction coincides with or approximately coincides with the height direction of the processing box 15.

[0079] This modified example also produces the same functions and effects as the embodiments described above. Therefore, in this modified example as well, when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed, the emission of ultraviolet rays from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 is effectively prevented.

[0080] In this modified configuration, the ultraviolet light source 41 is positioned on the inner surface of the side wall 35A. Therefore, by positioning the photocatalyst module 42 in the processing space 30 so that it intersects with the direction of airflow between the openings 37 and 38, the photocatalyst module 42 can be positioned in the processing space 30 so that one of its main surfaces 65 and 66 faces the ultraviolet light source 41. By positioning one of the main surfaces 65 and 66 of the photocatalyst module 42 facing the ultraviolet light source 41, ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 41 is more easily incident on the photocatalyst module 42. As a result, the air sterilization and deodorization performance is improved in air sterilization and deodorization using ultraviolet light and the photocatalyst module 42. Even when the ultraviolet light source 41 is positioned on the inner surface of the side wall 35B, the same effects and advantages as in this modified configuration can be achieved by positioning the photocatalyst module 42 in the processing space 30 so that it intersects with the direction of airflow between the openings 37 and 38.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, only one insertion opening 73 is formed in the processing box 15, and only one photocatalytic module 42 is arranged in the processing space 30 in the combination of the processing box 15 and the reflector 16, but the invention is not limited to this. In the third modified example shown in Figure 15, two photocatalytic modules 42A and 42B are arranged in the state in which the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15. Two insertion openings 73A and 73B are formed in the processing box 15, and two lid portions 70A and 70B are provided. Figure 15 shows the state in which the reflector 16 is separated from the processing box 15 in a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction of the processing box 15.

[0082] In this modified example, each of the lids 70A and 70B has the same configuration as the lid 70 in the example shown in Figures 1 to 9. Therefore, in lid 70A, the lid member 71 is biased by the biasing member 72 to close the insertion opening 73A, and in lid 70B, the lid member 71 is biased by the biasing member 72 to close the insertion opening 73B. In Figure 15, the lid members 71 in the closed state of lids 70A and 70B are shown by dashed lines.

[0083] In this modified example, when the reflector 16 is combined with the processing box 15, the photocatalytic module 42A is inserted into the processing space 30 from the insertion port 73A, and the photocatalytic module 42B is inserted into the processing space 30 from the insertion port 73B. At this time, the photocatalytic modules 42A and 42B are positioned in the processing space 30 by moving the respective lid members 71 of the lids 70A and 70B from the closed position against the biasing force. In this modified example, the photocatalytic module 42A is positioned between the ultraviolet light source 41 and the opening (second opening) 38 where the fan 40 is not positioned opposite each other, similar to the example photocatalytic module 42 in Figures 1 to 9. The photocatalytic module 42B is positioned between the ultraviolet light source 41 and the opening (first opening) 37 where the fan 40 is positioned opposite each other. Therefore, the photocatalytic module 42B is positioned between the ultraviolet light source 41 and the fan 40.

[0084] This modified example also produces the same functions and effects as the embodiments described above. Therefore, in this modified example as well, when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed, the emission of ultraviolet rays from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 is effectively prevented.

[0085] Furthermore, in this modified configuration, a photocatalytic module 42B is also placed between the ultraviolet light source 41 and the aperture 37 in the processing space 30. As a result, when air sterilization and deodorization are being performed in the processing space 30 using ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 41 and the photocatalytic modules 42A and 42B, the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 41 toward the aperture 37 is blocked not only by the fan 40 but also by the photocatalytic module 42B. Therefore, the emission of ultraviolet light from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 through the aperture 37 is further effectively prevented.

[0086] In the modified example shown in Figure 15, each of the photocatalytic modules 42A and 42B is arranged in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction aligns with the airflow direction in the processing space 30 from the inlet to the outlet (airflow between the openings 37 and 38). However, in one modified example, at least one of the photocatalytic modules 42A and 42B may be arranged in the processing space 30 such that its thickness direction intersects with the airflow direction between the openings 37 and 38. In another modified example, three or more photocatalytic modules 42 may be arranged in the processing space 30. In this case, one insertion opening 73 is formed in the processing box 15 corresponding to each of the three or more photocatalytic modules 42. A lid portion (70; 70A, 70B) similar to any of the embodiments described above is provided for each of the insertion openings 73, which are formed in the same number as the number of photocatalytic modules 42.

[0087] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the photocatalytic module 42 presses the closed lid member 71, etc. toward the inside of the processing box 15, thereby moving the lid portion 70 from the closed state. However, the configuration for moving the lid portion 70 from the closed state is not limited to this. In one modified example, the lid member 71, etc. that constitute the lid portion 70 are attached to the processing box 15 so as to be slidable along the inner surface of the processing box 15. In this modified example as well, the lid member 71 is biased to a closed state that closes the insertion opening 73, and when the photocatalytic module 42 is not placed in the processing space, the insertion opening 73 is closed by the lid member 71 (lid portion 70).

[0088] However, in this modified example, when placing the photocatalytic module 42 in the processing space 30, the worker slides the lid member 71 along the inner surface of the processing box 15 with their finger or the like, moving the lid member 71 (lid portion 70) from the closed position. Then, while maintaining the lid member 71 in the position moved from the closed position, the worker inserts the photocatalytic module 42 into the processing space 30 through the insertion opening 73. This modified example also produces the same operation and effect as the embodiments described above. Therefore, in this modified example as well, when the photocatalytic module 42 is removed, the emission of ultraviolet rays from the processing space 30 to the outside of the processing box 15 is effectively prevented.

[0089] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the processing box 15 is attached to an outer chassis 10 to which a lighting fixture 12 can be attached, but this is not the only configuration. As long as the processing box 15 is attached to an outer chassis installed on a wall surface 13 or the like, lighting fixtures and the like do not need to be attached to that outer chassis.

[0090] According to at least one of these embodiments, the ultraviolet light source irradiates ultraviolet light into the processing space of the processing box, and the lid is biased to a closed state that closes the insertion opening. The photocatalyst module can be inserted into the processing space from the insertion opening by moving the lid from the closed state against the bias, and the photocatalyst module closes the insertion opening when it is placed in the processing space. This makes it possible to provide an air treatment device that effectively prevents the emission of ultraviolet light to the outside of the processing space when the photocatalyst module is removed.

[0091] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The following are additional notes. [1] A processing box having a processing space formed inside, and the processing space being able to communicate with the outside space through an insertion opening; A UV light source that irradiates ultraviolet light in the processing space of the processing box; A lid that is biased to a closed state to close the aforementioned insertion opening; By moving the lid from the closed state against the biasing force, it becomes possible to insert it into the processing space through the insertion opening, and in the state where it is placed in the processing space, the photocatalytic module closes the insertion opening; An air treatment device equipped with the following: [2] The processing space of the processing box is in communication with the external space through the first opening and the second opening, The insertion port and the ultraviolet light source are located between the first opening and the second opening in the processing space. The system further comprises a fan positioned in the processing space facing the first opening, By driving the fan, an airflow is formed in the processing space between the first opening and the second opening. The insertion opening is located in the processing space between the second opening and the ultraviolet light source. [1] Air treatment device. [3] The lid portion comprises a first lid member and a second lid member, In the closed state of the lid, the first lid member and the second lid member cooperate with each other to close the insertion opening. [1] Air treatment device. [4] In the closed state of the lid, a part of the first lid member overlaps a part of the second lid member, the air treatment apparatus of [3]. [5] When the photocatalytic module is arranged in the processing space, the first lid member is located on the side of the photocatalytic module where the ultraviolet light source is located, and the second lid member is located on the side of the photocatalytic module where the ultraviolet light source is located, and each of the first lid member and the second lid member protrudes inward from the inner surface of the processing box, and the protrusion length of the first lid member from the inner surface of the processing box is greater than the protrusion length of the second lid member from the inner surface of the processing box. [4] Air treatment device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1...Air treatment device, 10...Outer chassis, 12...Lighting fixture, 15...Processing box, 16...Reflector, 30...Processing space, 37...Opening (first opening), 38...Opening (second opening), 40...Fan, 41...Ultraviolet light source, 42,42A,42B...Photocatalytic module, 70,70A,70B...Lid section, 71...Lid member, 71A...Lid member (first lid member), 71B...Lid member (second lid member), 72...Biasing member, 73,73A,73B...Inlet.

Claims

1. A processing box having a processing space formed inside, and the processing space being able to communicate with the outside space through an insertion opening; A UV light source that irradiates ultraviolet light in the processing space of the processing box; A lid that is biased to a closed state to close the aforementioned insertion opening; By moving the lid portion from the closed state against the biasing force, the photocatalytic module becomes insertable into the processing space through the insertion opening, and in the state where it is positioned in the processing space, the insertion opening is closed; It is equipped with, The processing space of the processing box communicates with the external space through the first opening and the second opening, In the processing space, an airflow is formed between the first opening and the second opening. The insertion port and the ultraviolet light source are located between the first opening and the second opening in the processing space. Air treatment device.

2. The device further comprises a fan positioned in the processing space facing the first opening, The insertion opening is located in the processing space between the second opening and the ultraviolet light source. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The lid portion comprises a first lid member and a second lid member, In the closed state of the lid, the first lid member and the second lid member cooperate with each other to close the insertion opening. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

4. In the closed state of the lid, a portion of the first lid member overlaps a portion of the second lid member, as described in claim 3.

5. In the state in which the photocatalytic module is arranged in the processing space, the first lid member is located on the side of the photocatalytic module where the ultraviolet light source is located, and the second lid member is located on the side of the photocatalytic module opposite to the side where the ultraviolet light source is located, and each of the first lid member and the second lid member protrudes inward from the inner surface of the processing box, and the protrusion length of the first lid member from the inner surface of the processing box is greater than the protrusion length of the second lid member from the inner surface of the processing box. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 4.

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