Air purifier

Abstract

To effectively inactivate viruses and the like that adhere to particles in an irradiation area.SOLUTION: This air purification apparatus comprises: an ultraviolet irradiation device 13 that irradiates, with ultraviolet light U, a partial area of a cross-section of a duct 2 through which air containing particles P suspended therein flows in a specific direction, the cross-section being taken along a plane that intersects with the specific direction; a discharge electrode 11 that is provided upstream of the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 and charges the particles P; and a dust collecting electrode 12 that is provided downstream of the discharge electrode 11 and guides the charged particles P so that the charged particles P move close to the area being irradiated with the ultraviolet light U by the ultraviolet irradiation device 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purification device.

Background Art

[0002] A technique is known in which an ultraviolet irradiation device is provided in a flow path through which air of a device that takes in air (for example, a blower, an air cleaner, an air conditioner, etc.) flows, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the flowing air to inactivate microorganisms, viruses, or microorganisms and viruses contained in droplets that adhere to particles floating in the air (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to inactivate viruses or the like that adhere to particles floating in the air or viruses or the like contained in droplets, when irradiating ultraviolet rays over substantially the entire cross-section of the flow path, the region irradiated with ultraviolet rays (hereinafter referred to as the "irradiation region") becomes extensive, so there was a possibility that ultraviolet rays could not be sufficiently irradiated over the entire irradiation region. If ultraviolet rays could not be sufficiently irradiated over the entire irradiation region, there was a possibility that inactivation treatment of viruses or the like could not be suitably performed. Also, when the irradiation region is substantially the entire cross-section of the flow path, it may be considered possible to sufficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays over the entire irradiation region by increasing the number of irradiation units. However, in this method, there was a problem that the number of parts of the air purification device increased as the number of irradiation units increased. If the number of parts increased, the cost might increase accordingly. Also, increasing the number of parts could lead to an increase in the size of the air purification device and a possible increase in weight.

[0005] It should be noted that in the original text, the tag "" has no content after translation, so I added " " for placeholder purposes. If there is any specific meaning or requirement for this tag, please let me know and I will adjust accordingly. This disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances and aims to provide an air purification device that can suitably inactivate viruses, etc., attached to particles or contained in droplets within the irradiation area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the air purification device of this disclosure employs the following means. An air purifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light to a portion of a cross-section of a flow channel through which air containing particles or mist flows in a predetermined direction, cut by a plane intersecting the predetermined direction; a first electrode provided upstream of the irradiation unit for charging the particles or mist; and a second electrode provided downstream of the first electrode for guiding the charged particles or mist toward the region irradiated by the irradiation unit with ultraviolet light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, viruses and the like that adhering to particles or contained in droplets can be preferably inactivated in the irradiated area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view of an air purifier according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an air purifying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to the indoor unit of a room air conditioner, and is a schematic perspective view of the indoor unit. [Figure 6]This figure shows an air purifying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to the indoor unit of a room air conditioner, and is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the indoor unit. [Figure 7] This figure shows an air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to a vehicle air conditioner, and is a schematic perspective view of the air intake section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of the air purification device according to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 1. The air purification device 10 according to this embodiment can be applied, for example, to vehicle air conditioners or indoor units of room air conditioners. The air purification device 10 is a device that normalizes the air circulating in the duct (flow channel) 2. More specifically, the air purification device 10 normalizes the air by sterilizing and inactivating viruses and microorganisms attached to airborne particles or mist P in the air circulating in the duct 2.

[0011] Duct 2 extends in a predetermined direction (left-right direction in Figure 1). Air containing suspended particles or mist P flows through Duct 2 in a predetermined direction (see arrow A in Figure 1). Filter 3 is installed inside duct 2. Filter 3 is installed downstream of air purifier 10. Filter 3 is installed so as to cover the entire flow path cross-section of duct 2 (the cross-section when cut by a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of duct 2). Filter 3 captures airborne particles or mist P as air flows through duct 2. Filter 3 may be made of a material having photocatalytic properties.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the air purification device 10 includes a plurality of discharge electrodes (first electrodes) 11 arranged in the duct 2, a dust collection electrode (second electrode) 12 provided downstream of the discharge electrodes 11, and an ultraviolet irradiation device (irradiation unit) 13 provided between the discharge electrodes 11 and the dust collection electrode 12.

[0013] Multiple discharge electrodes 11 are provided inside the duct 2. The multiple discharge electrodes 11 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along the inner surface of the duct 2, for example. However, the arrangement of the multiple discharge electrodes 11 is not limited to this. The multiple discharge electrodes 11 may be arranged at predetermined intervals over the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the duct 2. The discharge electrodes 11 are negative electrodes.

[0014] The dust collection electrode 12 is located inside the duct 2. The dust collection electrode 12 is located downstream of the discharge electrode 11 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 13. The dust collection electrode 12 is not located in the center of the flow path cross-section of the duct 2, but is positioned to one side. In the example in Figure 1, the dust collection electrode 12 is positioned downwards. The dust collection electrode 12 is located, for example, on the inner circumferential surface of the duct 2. The dust collection electrode 12 is an electrode with the opposite potential to the discharge electrode 11. That is, the dust collection electrode 12 is a positive electrode. The dust collection electrode 12 guides charged particles or mist P toward the area where the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet U.

[0015] The discharge electrode 11 and the dust collection electrode 12 are connected via a power supply 14. When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 11 and the dust collection electrode 12, a corona discharge occurs at the discharge electrode 11. This corona discharge generates ions. As a result of ion generation, when particles or mist P contained in the air pass through the electric field between the discharge electrode 11 and the dust collection electrode 12, the particles or mist P become negatively charged. The charged particles or mist P are then displaced by electrostatic attraction towards the dust collection electrode 12. In other words, the charged particles or mist P are displaced towards the dust collection electrode 12 side (towards the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 side).

[0016] The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 is disposed in the duct 2. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 is provided upstream of the dust collecting electrode 12. In the flow path cross section of the duct 2, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 is not provided at the center, but is provided closer to the same side as the dust collecting electrode 12. In the example of FIG. 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 is provided closer to the lower side. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates a part of the region in the duct 2 with ultraviolet rays. Specifically, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates a part of the region of the flow path cross section of the duct 2 with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates the region where the particles or mist P deflected by the dust collecting electrode 12 gather with ultraviolet rays U. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the downstream side. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward a part of the filter 3 provided on the downstream side.

[0017] Next, the operation of the air purification device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, air flows in a predetermined direction in the duct 2 (see arrow A). When the air passes between the discharge electrode 11 and the dust collecting electrode 12, the particles or mist P contained in the air are charged. Specifically, they are charged with a negative charge. The charged particles or mist P deflect so as to approach the dust collecting electrode 12. In other words, the charged particles or mist P are guided by the dust collecting electrode 12 to approach the region where the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet rays. The deflected particles or mist P are captured by the filter 3. At this time, the deflected particles or mist P are captured by the part of the filter 3 where the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet rays. The particles or mist P irradiated with ultraviolet rays are inactivated by viruses or the like attached to the particles or mist P. In this way, the air purification device 10 purifies the air.

[0018] According to the present embodiment, the following operational effects are achieved. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates a portion of the duct 2 with ultraviolet U light. This allows ultraviolet U light to be irradiated onto a portion of the air flowing through the duct 2, thereby inactivating microorganisms and viruses attached to airborne particles or contained in droplets. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a dust collection electrode 12 is provided to guide charged particles or mist P toward the area where the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet U (hereinafter referred to as the "irradiation area"). As a result, the particles or mist P flowing through the duct 2 are deflected so as to be guided toward the irradiation area. Therefore, a large number of particles or mist P can be irradiated with ultraviolet U. Thus, in this embodiment, even if the irradiation area is only a part of the flow path cross-section, the particles or mist P flowing through the duct 2 can be sufficiently irradiated with ultraviolet U and viruses can be inactivated.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the irradiation area of ​​the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 is a part of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the duct 2, the irradiation area can be made smaller compared to the case where the irradiation area is the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the duct 2. Because the irradiation area is small, ultraviolet U can be sufficiently irradiated over the entire irradiation area. Therefore, viruses etc. attached to particles or viruses etc. contained in droplets can be suitably inactivated in the irradiation area. Furthermore, if the irradiation area is to cover the entire cross-section of the duct 2, it is conceivable to increase the number of ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 to ensure sufficient ultraviolet U irradiation of the irradiation area. However, increasing the number of ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 would increase the number of parts in the air purifier 10. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the irradiation area is small, the number of ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 can be reduced. This reduces the number of parts in the air purifier 10. Therefore, costs can be reduced. In addition, the air purifier 10 can be made smaller and lighter. Also, because there are fewer ultraviolet irradiation devices 13, if a structure is provided to suppress the leakage of ultraviolet U to the outside of the air purifier 10, that structure can be simplified.

[0020] Furthermore, the region irradiated with ultraviolet U by the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 refers to the region where sufficient inactivation effects on viruses, etc., can be obtained by the ultraviolet U irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 13, and does not include regions where ultraviolet U reaches but where sufficient inactivation effects on viruses, etc., cannot be obtained.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a filter 3 for capturing particles or mist P is provided downstream of the dust collection electrode 12. As a result, particles or mist P are captured by the filter 3. Also, in this embodiment, the area irradiated with ultraviolet U by the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 includes the filter 3. As a result, ultraviolet U is irradiated onto the particles or mist P captured by the filter 3, and viruses and other substances attached to the particles or mist P can be inactivated.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge electrode 11 and the dust collection electrode 12 are at opposite potentials. As a result, particles or mist P charged at the discharge electrode 11 are deflected toward the dust collection electrode 12. In this way, the flow of particles or mist P can be controlled, allowing for optimal guidance of particles or mist P into the irradiation area.

[0023] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 2. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a filter 3 is not provided downstream of the air purifier 10. Also, the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 differs from that of the first embodiment. Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment, so similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0024] In the first embodiment, a description was given in which particles or mist that have been displaced are captured by a filter 3, and the captured particles or mist P are irradiated with ultraviolet light U by an ultraviolet irradiation device 13. However, in this embodiment, the particles or mist P flowing through the duct 2 are displaced, and then ultraviolet light U is irradiated onto the particles or mist P while they are flowing through the duct 2.

[0025] In this embodiment, a heat exchanger 4 is provided downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation device 13. Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet U toward the upstream side. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet U toward a portion of the space formed within the duct 2. Note that the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 only needs to irradiate ultraviolet U toward a portion of the space within the duct 2, and the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet U is not limited to the upstream side. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 may irradiate ultraviolet U toward the downstream side, or it may irradiate ultraviolet U toward a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the duct 2. Similar to the first embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet light U into the region where particles or mist P that have been displaced by the dust collection electrode 12 have accumulated.

[0026] This embodiment provides the following effects and advantages. In this embodiment, charged particles or mist P are guided by the dust collection electrode 12 to approach the area where the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet light. The displaced particles or mist P are irradiated with ultraviolet light U by the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 in the irradiation area. Viruses and other particles attached to the particles or mist P are inactivated when irradiated with ultraviolet light U. In this way, the air purification device 10 according to this embodiment can purify the air. Therefore, it achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0027] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a filter 3 is not provided downstream of the air purifier 10. Furthermore, the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 differs from the first embodiment. Also, it differs from the first embodiment in that a shielding tunnel 16 is provided to block the ultraviolet U emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation device 13. Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment, so similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a shielding tunnel (shielding section) 16 is provided downstream of the dust collection electrode 12. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 is installed inside the shielding tunnel 16. The shielding tunnel 16 partitions a space inside. In other words, the shielding tunnel 16 partitions a part of the space formed within the duct 2. The shielding tunnel 16 has an entrance to the space at its upstream end. The shielding tunnel 16 also has an exit to the space at its downstream end. As shown in Figure 4, the shielding tunnel 16 is located approximately in the center in the width direction of the flow path cross-section of the duct 2. The shielding tunnel 16 has a pair of wall sections 16a that are spaced apart in the width direction. One end of each wall section 16a is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the duct 2 and extends approximately perpendicularly from the outer and inner circumferential surfaces. The shielding tunnel 16 has a plate section 16b that connects the other ends of the pair of wall sections 16a. The plate section 16b is provided so as to face the inner circumferential surface of the duct 2.

[0029] The shielding tunnel 16 is made of a material that reflects ultraviolet U. By using a material that reflects ultraviolet U, damage caused by ultraviolet U can be suppressed.

[0030] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet U into the shielding tunnel 16. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet U over substantially the entire cross-section of the flow path of the shielding tunnel 16. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet U in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the duct 2. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 only needs to be able to irradiate ultraviolet U into the shielding tunnel 16, and may be placed outside the shielding tunnel 16.

[0031] The dust collection electrode 12 is located on the outside of the shielding tunnel 16. The dust collection electrode 12 is located near the upstream side of the entrance to the shielding tunnel 16.

[0032] This embodiment provides the following effects and advantages. In this embodiment, charged particles or mist P are deflected by the dust collection electrode 12 so as to approach the area irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation device 13. The deflected particles or mist P flow into the shielding tunnel 16 from its entrance. The particles or mist P that flow into the shielding tunnel 16 are irradiated with ultraviolet U by the ultraviolet irradiation device 13. The particles or mist P irradiated with ultraviolet U have viruses etc. attached to them or contained in droplets inactivated and are discharged from the exit of the shielding tunnel 16. In this way, the air purification device 10 according to this embodiment can purify the air. Therefore, it achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the irradiation area is surrounded by a shielding tunnel 16. This allows the shielding tunnel 16 to block ultraviolet U irradiated onto the irradiation area. Therefore, leakage of ultraviolet U to the outside of the air purifier 10 can be suppressed. In addition, since it becomes less likely for ultraviolet U to irradiate other devices within the air purifier 10, damage to other devices caused by ultraviolet U can be reduced.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the irradiation area is small. This allows the area shielded by the shielding tunnel 16 to be reduced. Therefore, the structure of the shielding tunnel 16 can be simplified.

[0035] Next, an example of an apparatus to which the air purification device 10 described in the first to third embodiments above is applied will be explained using Figures 5 to 7.

[0036] The air purification device 10 described in the second and third embodiments above is applied to the indoor unit 20 of a room air conditioner, for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 5, the indoor unit 20 is equipped with a horizontally elongated rectangular prism-shaped housing 21. This housing 21 has an inlet 22 for introducing air into the housing 21, and an intake panel (not shown) that covers the inlet 22. As shown in Figure 6, an air passage is formed inside the housing 21 through which air introduced from the inlet 22 flows. A plate-fin tube type indoor heat exchanger 23 is installed in the air passage. A long, slender cylindrical cross-flow fan 24 is installed in the air passage downstream of the indoor heat exchanger 23 so as to be rotatable around its axis of rotation (horizontal axis). An outlet 25 for discharging air from the housing 21 is formed downstream of the cross-flow fan 24.

[0037] Thus, in the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the housing 21 defines the airflow path. Therefore, in the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the housing 21 that defines the airflow path corresponds to the duct 2 in Figure 2, etc.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, air purification devices 10 are provided at both ends of the housing 21 in the longitudinal direction. An ultraviolet irradiation device 13 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall that defines the longitudinal direction of the housing 21. The ultraviolet irradiation device 13 irradiates ultraviolet light toward the center in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 6, a dust collection electrode 12 is provided upstream of the ultraviolet irradiation device 13. A discharge electrode 11 is provided upstream of the dust collection electrode 12. Also, as shown in Figure 5, a dust collection electrode 12 is provided near the ultraviolet irradiation device 13. The discharge electrode 11 is provided further longitudinally than the dust collection electrode 12.

[0039] Furthermore, the air purification device 10 described in the first embodiment above can be applied to a vehicle air conditioning system, for example, as shown in Figure 7. A vehicle air conditioning system is installed in a space defined by the instrument panel of an automobile. The vehicle air conditioning system includes a heating ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC unit; not shown) that temperature-conditions outside air (outside air) or inside air (inside air) and blows it into the interior of the vehicle, and a blower unit 30 that supplies outside air or inside air to the HVAC unit. The air purification device 10 is installed in the blower unit 30, as shown in Figure 7.

[0040] The blower unit 30 has a housing 31 that forms its outer shell. The housing 31 has an inlet 32 ​​formed therein for introducing air to be supplied to the HVAC unit. Inside the housing 31, an air passage is formed through which the air introduced from the inlet 32 ​​flows. In other words, the housing 31 defines the air passage. In the example in Figure 7, the housing 31 that defines the air passage corresponds to the duct 2 in Figure 1. A filter (not shown in Figure 7) is placed at an intermediate position in the air passage.

[0041] Two ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 are provided on one side of the inner wall of the housing 31. A discharge electrode 11 is provided upstream of the ultraviolet irradiation devices 13. A dust collection electrode 12 is provided downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation devices 13. A filter is provided in the air passage downstream of the dust collection electrode 12. The ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 irradiate ultraviolet light toward the filter.

[0042] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the discharge electrode 11 is a negative electrode and the dust collection electrode 12 is a positive electrode, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the discharge electrode 11 may be a positive electrode and the dust collection electrode 12 may be a negative electrode. Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe examples in which an electrode (dust collection electrode 12) with a potential opposite to that of the discharge electrode 11 is provided downstream of the discharge electrode 11, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, an electrode with the same potential as the discharge electrode 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "downstream electrode") may be provided downstream of the discharge electrode 11. In this case, particles or mist P charged at the discharge electrode 11 will flow away from the downstream electrode (second electrode). For this reason, the dust collection electrode 12 is provided on the inner surface of the duct 2 opposite to the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 (the inner surface facing the ultraviolet irradiation device 13).

[0043] The air purification device described in the embodiments above can be understood, for example, as follows. An air purifier according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: an irradiation unit (13) that irradiates ultraviolet light (U) onto a portion of a cross section cut by a plane intersecting the predetermined direction of a flow path (2) through which air containing particles or mist (P) flows in a predetermined direction; a first electrode (11) provided upstream of the irradiation unit for charging the particles or mist; and a second electrode (12) provided downstream of the first electrode for guiding the charged particles or mist toward the area irradiated by the irradiation unit with ultraviolet light.

[0044] In the above configuration, the irradiation unit irradiates a portion of the flow channel with ultraviolet light. This allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated onto a portion of the air flowing through the flow channel, thereby inactivating microorganisms and viruses attached to airborne particles or contained in droplets. Furthermore, the above configuration includes a second electrode that guides charged particles or mist toward the area where the irradiation unit irradiates ultraviolet light (hereinafter referred to as the "irradiation area"). This causes the particles or mist flowing through the channel to be deflected so that they are guided toward the irradiation area. Therefore, ultraviolet light can be irradiated to a large number of particles or mist. Thus, with the above configuration, even if the irradiation area is only a part of the channel cross-section, ultraviolet light can be sufficiently irradiated to the particles or mist flowing through the channel, and viruses can be inactivated.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation unit is a part of the cross-section of the flow channel, the irradiation area can be made smaller compared to the case where the irradiation area is the entire cross-section of the flow channel. Because the irradiation area is small, ultraviolet light can be sufficiently irradiated over the entire irradiation area. Therefore, viruses etc. that are attached to particles or contained in droplets can be suitably inactivated in the irradiation area. Furthermore, if the irradiation area is the entire cross-section of the flow path, it is conceivable to ensure sufficient ultraviolet irradiation of the irradiation area by increasing the number of irradiation units. However, increasing the number of irradiation units leads to the problem of increasing the number of parts in the device. On the other hand, with the above configuration, the irradiation area is small, so the number of irradiation units can be reduced. This reduces the number of parts in the air purification device. Consequently, costs can be reduced. In addition, the air purification device can be made smaller and lighter. Moreover, because there are fewer irradiation units, if a structure is provided to suppress the leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the air purification device, that structure can be simplified.

[0046] Furthermore, the area irradiated by the irradiation unit refers to the area where sufficient inactivation effects on viruses, etc., can be obtained by the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit, and does not include areas where ultraviolet light reaches but where sufficient inactivation effects on viruses, etc., cannot be obtained.

[0047] In the air purifying device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the region in which the irradiation unit irradiates ultraviolet light is provided downstream of the second electrode and includes a capture unit (3) for capturing the particles or mist.

[0048] In the above configuration, a capture unit for capturing particles or mist is provided downstream of the second electrode. As a result, particles or mist are captured in the capture unit. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the area irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit includes the capture unit. This allows for the irradiation of particles or mist captured in the capture unit with ultraviolet light, thereby inactivating viruses, etc., attached to the particles or contained in droplets.

[0049] An air purifier according to a third aspect of this disclosure includes, in the first or second aspect described above, a shielding portion (16) that surrounds the area in which the irradiation portion irradiates ultraviolet light.

[0050] In the above configuration, the irradiation area is surrounded by a shielding section. This shielding section can block the ultraviolet rays irradiated onto the irradiation area. Therefore, leakage of ultraviolet rays to the outside of the air purifier can be suppressed. In addition, since it is less likely for ultraviolet rays to irradiate other devices within the air purifier, damage to other devices due to ultraviolet rays can be reduced. Furthermore, the above configuration results in a small irradiation area. This allows for a smaller area to be shielded by the shielding component. Consequently, the structure of the shielding component can be simplified.

[0051] In the air purification device according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the first electrode and the second electrode are at the same potential in any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0052] In the above configuration, the first electrode and the second electrode are at the same potential. As a result, particles or mist charged at the first electrode are deflected toward the second electrode. In this way, the flow of particles or mist can be controlled, allowing for optimal guidance of particles or mist into the irradiation area.

[0053] In the air purification device according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the first electrode and the second electrode are at opposite potentials in any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0054] In the above configuration, the first electrode and the second electrode are at opposite potentials. As a result, particles or mist charged at the first electrode are deflected toward the second electrode. In this way, the flow of particles or mist can be controlled, allowing for optimal guidance of the particles or mist into the irradiation area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 2: Duct 3: Filter 4: Heat exchanger 10: Air purifier 11: Discharge electrode 12: Dust collection pole 13: Ultraviolet irradiation device 14:Power supply 16: Shielded tunnel 16a: Wall part 16b: Plate part 20: Indoor unit 21: Cabinet 22: Inlet 23: Indoor heat exchanger 24: Cross-flow fan 25:Air outlet 30: Blower Unit 31: Cabinet 32: Inlet P: Particle U: Ultraviolet light

Claims

1. An irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light to a portion of a cross-section of a flow channel section through which air containing suspended particles or mist flows in a predetermined direction, at a plane intersecting the predetermined direction, A first electrode is provided upstream of the irradiation unit and charges the particles or mist, An air purifier comprising: a second electrode provided downstream of the first electrode, and positioned not at the center of the cross-section but off to one side, which guides the charged particles or mist toward the area where the irradiation unit irradiates ultraviolet light.

2. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the region in which the irradiation unit irradiates ultraviolet light is provided downstream of the second electrode and includes a capture unit for capturing the particles or mist.

3. The air purifying device according to claim 1, further comprising a shielding portion that surrounds the area to which the irradiation portion irradiates ultraviolet light.

4. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are at the same potential.

5. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are at opposite potentials.

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