Active species generation device, showcase, air conditioner, closed floor, and method for suppressing growth of mold and microorganism

Abstract

An active species generation device (100) provided with: a blower (13) for generating an airflow by sucking a gas from the outside; an active species generator (12) for generating an active species by a discharge phenomenon; and a blowout port (11) for blowing a gas (AR) containing the active species upward from below.

Description

Active species generator, showcase, air conditioner, closed floor, and method for inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an active species generator, a showcase, an air conditioner, a closed floor, and a method for inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms.

[0002] Conventionally, a technology has been disclosed in which a generator for generating discharge products is placed above a room and active species are emitted toward the ground (see, for example, Patent Document 1). On the other hand, in refrigerated / freezer showcases intended for food storage, improved hygiene, such as the removal of bacteria and mold, is required for food preservation. As a technology for improving the hygiene of refrigerated / freezer showcases, a refrigerated / freezer showcase equipped with a mechanism for emitting discharge products, which have the effect of suppressing bacteria and mold, from above to below the internal space of the showcase has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] Patent No. 4789390 Patent No. 2001-221565

[0004] However, because air with lower relative humidity is denser and tends to accumulate lower, while air with higher relative humidity tends to accumulate higher, it has been difficult to suppress the growth of mold and microorganisms on the ceiling and sidewalls near the ceiling of a confined space. Furthermore, the cold air or radiation from a refrigerated / freezer showcase cools the ceiling, walls, and floor, causing condensation, which allows mold and other microorganisms to grow and creates an unsanitary environment. Conventional technologies have had difficulty transporting sufficient amounts of discharge products to the ceiling or other areas outside the product. The present disclosure discloses technology for solving the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an active species generator, a showcase, an air conditioner, a confined floor, and a method for suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms that can prevent and suppress the growth of mold and microorganisms on the ceiling and sidewalls near the ceiling of a confined space.

[0005] The active species generator according to the present disclosure includes a blower that draws in gas from the outside to generate an airflow, an active species generator that generates active species by electrical discharge, and an outlet that blows the gas containing the active species from below upward. The showcase disclosed herein also has the active species generator installed on its top surface and has at least one of a freezing function and a refrigeration function. The air conditioner disclosed herein also has a built-in active species generator. The enclosed floor disclosed herein also has an active species generator that generates active species by electrical discharge and blows the gas containing the active species from below toward the ceiling, the active species generator being disposed facing the ceiling. The mold and microorganism growth suppression method disclosed herein also includes generating active species by electrical discharge in an enclosed space having a ceiling, and blowing the gas containing the active species from below toward the ceiling.

[0006] The active species generator, showcase, air conditioner, closed floor, and method for inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms according to the present disclosure can inhibit the growth of mold and microorganisms on the ceiling of a closed space and on sidewall surfaces near the ceiling.

[0007] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the configuration of a confined space in which an active species generator according to embodiment 1 is disposed. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the configuration of a confined space in which an active species generator is disposed, illustrating a state in which the active species generator is operating. FIG. 1B is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of an active species generator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1C is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of an active species generator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1D is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of an active species generator according to embodiment 2. FIG. 1E is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of an active species generator according to embodiment 3. FIG. 1F is a perspective view of an active species generator according to embodiment 3. FIG. 1G is a side cross-sectional view of an active species generator according to embodiment 3. FIG. 1H is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of an active species generator according to embodiment 4. FIG. 1I is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of an active species generator according to embodiment 5. FIG. 1I is a diagram showing the relationship between the temperature and humidity of a confined space and the growth of mold and microorganisms. FIG. 1I is a diagram showing an operation control flow of an active species generator using a first sensor according to embodiment 5. FIG. 1I is a diagram showing a generation amount control flow of an active species generator using a first sensor according to embodiment 5. FIG. 1I is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of an active species generator according to embodiment 6. FIG. 1I is a diagram showing an operation control flow of an active species generator using a second sensor according to embodiment 6. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the air conditioner according to embodiment 7. FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the showcase according to embodiment 7. FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the showcase according to embodiment 7. FIG. 16E is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the showcase according to embodiment 7. FIG. 16F is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the showcase according to embodiment 7. FIG. 16G is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the showcase according to embodiment 7.

[0008] Embodiment 1. An active species generator, a closed floor, and a method for inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms according to embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the configuration of a closed space K in which an active species generator 100 is arranged. This shows a state in which mold and microorganisms have grown on a ceiling S. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the configuration of the closed space K in which the active species generator 100 is arranged. This shows a state in which the active species generator 100 is operating. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of the active species generator 100.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 2 , the active species generating device 100 includes a case 10, an outlet 11 arranged at the top of the case 10, an active species generator 12 housed in the case 10, and a blower 13 housed in the case 10 and configured to blow air AR containing active species (ozone, negative ions, etc.) generated by the active species generator 12 upward through the outlet 11.

[0010] The active species generating device 100 generates discharge active species (hereinafter simply referred to as active species) using an active species generator 12, and blows air AR containing the active species from the floor side (below) toward the ceiling (upward) within the enclosed space K (floor).

[0011] Typically, in the enclosed space K shown in FIG. 1 , humid air stagnates upward, i.e., near the ceiling S. Then, moisture from the air stagnates near the ceiling S moistens the ceiling S and the upper part of the side wall surface near the ceiling S. This moisture causes mold and microorganisms to begin to grow. When mold and microorganisms grow, the air in the enclosed space K becomes contaminated, and the mold and microorganisms grow in other places in the enclosed space K, gradually spreading the contamination.

[0012] Therefore, the active species generator 100 is installed on the floor, and air AR containing active species is blown upward from the upward-facing outlet 11. An example of the outlet 11 is a duct-shaped outlet. By making the outlet 11 duct-shaped, the directionality of the air can be increased, and the transport capacity of the active species can be improved. Air AR containing low-humidity active species near the floor is blown upward from the downward direction of the enclosed space K to the periphery of the ceiling S, suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms.

[0013] 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the schematic configuration of an active species generator 100B, which is another example of the active species generator 100. In addition to the configuration of the active species generator 100A described above, the active species generator 100B includes a filter 14 that captures and purifies suspended matter in the air before it passes through the active species generator. By blowing air AR containing active species using air that has been purified in advance by the filter 14, adhesion of dirt to the ceiling S and sidewall surfaces near the ceiling S is suppressed, and the effect of suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms is improved.

[0014] The active species generator according to the first embodiment includes a blower that draws in gas from the outside to generate an airflow, an active species generator that generates active species by electrical discharge, and an outlet that blows the gas containing the active species from below upward. Therefore, by supplying air AR containing low-humidity active species near the floor to the periphery of the ceiling S from below to above the enclosed space K, the growth of mold and microorganisms can be suppressed on the ceiling S and the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S of the enclosed space K. Furthermore, the active species generator according to the first embodiment includes a filter that captures suspended matter in the drawn-in gas, thereby suppressing adhesion of dirt to the ceiling S and the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S, thereby enhancing the effect of suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms. Furthermore, the enclosed floor according to the first embodiment includes an active species generator that generates active species by electrical discharge and blows the gas containing the active species from below toward the ceiling, which is disposed opposite the ceiling. Therefore, the growth of mold and microorganisms can be suppressed on the ceiling S and the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S of the enclosed space K. Furthermore, the method for suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms according to embodiment 1 generates active species by a discharge phenomenon in an enclosed space having a ceiling, and blows gas containing the active species from below toward the ceiling, thereby suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms on the ceiling S of the enclosed space K and on the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S.

[0015] Embodiment 2. An active species generator 200 according to embodiment 2 will be described below, focusing on the differences from embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the schematic configuration of the active species generator 200. In addition to the configuration of the active species generator 100 described in embodiment 1, the active species generator 200 includes a heater 15 that heats the air to be blown to a temperature higher than the surrounding area. By using the heater 15 in combination, air AR containing active species with a lower relative humidity than that near the ceiling S is blown upward, thereby raising the temperature near the ceiling S, lowering the relative humidity near the ceiling S, and drying the ceiling S and the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S, which further suppresses the growth of mold and microorganisms.

[0016] Note that a dehumidifier 16 can be used instead of the heater 15 to achieve the same effect, since it can reduce the humidity of the air AR containing active species below that of the surroundings. Also, the filter 14 described in the first embodiment may be used in combination.

[0017] The active species generator according to the second embodiment includes a heater that heats the sucked gas and blows out gas containing the active species that is hotter than the surrounding area, thereby increasing the temperature near the ceiling S, reducing the relative humidity near the ceiling S, and drying the ceiling S and the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S, thereby further suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms. Furthermore, the active species generator according to the second embodiment includes a dehumidifier that dehumidifies the sucked gas and blows out gas containing the active species that is humidifier less than the surrounding area, thereby making it possible to lower the humidity of the air AR containing active species below that of the surrounding area, thereby achieving the same effect as when a heater is installed.

[0018] Embodiment 3 An active species generation device 300 according to embodiment 3 will be described below, focusing on the differences from embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of the active species generation device 300. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an active species generator 312. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the active species generator 312.

[0019] The active species generator 312 can simultaneously generate two types (or three or more types) of active species with different properties. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the active species generator 312 includes two first discharge electrodes E1 that generate discharge products DP1 (first active species), a second discharge electrode E2 that generates discharge products DP2 (second active species), and a ground electrode EA.

[0020] The first discharge electrode E1, the second discharge electrode E2, and the ground electrode EA are surrounded by an electrically insulating resin part (not shown) and fixed to the holding part H, or are fixed to the holding part H by screws or adhesive. The two first discharge electrodes E1 are formed to sandwich the cylindrical ground electrode EA and to protrude from the holding part H toward one side X1 of the first direction X (the processing target, i.e., the ceiling side) at a distance. The first discharge electrode E1 is configured as a conical needle electrode whose diameter decreases from the base end to the tip end.

[0021] The second discharge electrodes E2 are spaced apart from the ground electrode EA, lined up in the first direction X, and arranged so that their tips face the ground electrode EA in the first direction X. The second discharge electrodes E2 are needle-shaped electrodes. The ground electrode EA is a cylindrical electrode that extends in the first direction X, so when viewed from one side X1 of the first direction X, the second discharge electrode E2 appears to be arranged inside the ground electrode EA.

[0022] The first discharge electrode E1, the second discharge electrode E2, and the ground electrode EA are arranged so that a discharge distance L2 between the second discharge electrode E2 and the ground electrode EA is smaller than a discharge distance L1 between the first discharge electrode E1 and the ground electrode EA. When a high voltage obtained from a high-voltage conversion unit (not shown) is applied to the second discharge electrode E2, a discharge occurs between the second discharge electrode E2 and the ground electrode EA, and a discharge product DP2 different from the discharge product DP1 generated by the first discharge electrode E1 is generated.

[0023] Although the second discharge electrode E2 is described as being configured as a needle-like electrode, it is not limited to this. The second discharge electrode E2 preferably has a tapered tip to concentrate the electric field, but is not limited to this shape and may be columnar. The second discharge electrode E2 may also be an electrode made of uniformly thin wires or a brush-like electrode made of multiple bundled thin wires. The material of the second discharge electrode E2 is metal, but is not limited to metal and may be made of other conductive materials, such as conductive carbon fiber.

[0024] As described above, the discharge product DP2 generated from the second discharge electrode E2 is different from the discharge product DP1 generated from the first discharge electrode E1. Specifically, for example, the discharge product DP1 is negative ions, and the discharge product DP2 is ozone. Because the discharge distance between the second discharge electrode E2 and the ground electrode EA is smaller than the discharge distance between the first discharge electrode E1 and the ground electrode EA, the electrons emitted from the second discharge electrode E2 are easily accelerated between the second discharge electrode E2 and the ground electrode EA and are in a high-energy state. For this reason, the electrons between the second discharge electrode E2 and the ground electrode EA include electrons with energy higher than 5.12 eV, which is the dissociation energy of oxygen molecules in the air.

[0025] The high-energy electrons collide with oxygen molecules in the air, causing triple collisions involving dissociated oxygen atoms and oxygen molecules, generating ozone. Note that the difference between the discharge products DP1 and DP2 is not limited to the negative ions and ozone described above, but may also be due to differences in the ratio or concentration of active species, for example.

[0026] According to the active species generating device 300 of embodiment 3, the active species generator 312 generates, from the second discharge electrode E2, a discharge product DP2 different from the discharge product DP1 in addition to the discharge product DP1 generated from the first discharge electrode E1, and therefore the treatment target can be treated using both the discharge product DP1 and the discharge product DP2, thereby further enhancing the sterilization and inactivation effects of mold, microorganisms, etc. Furthermore, in a high-humidity environment, the generation characteristics of the discharge products DP1 and the discharge products DP2 change, and concentrations are likely to change. However, by generating the discharge products DP1 and the discharge products DP2 near the ground in a space where humidity is low and then blowing them to the ceiling where humidity is high, the inactivation effect of microorganisms can be improved.

[0027] Embodiment 4. An active species generator 400 according to embodiment 4 will be described below, focusing on the differences from embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the schematic configuration of the active species generator 400. The active species generator 400 includes an air outlet 411 whose air blowing direction can be changed. Furthermore, a plurality of active species generators 400 work together to supply air AR containing active species in a concentrated manner around the ceiling S, thereby targeting areas where mold and microorganisms are likely to grow. In the active species generator according to embodiment 4, the direction of the air outlet can be changed, so that the active species act efficiently, enhancing the effect of suppressing the growth of mold and microorganisms.

[0028] Embodiment 5. An active species generator 500 and a method for inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms according to embodiment 5 will be described below, focusing on differences from embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the schematic configuration of the active species generator 500. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the temperature and humidity of a confined space K and the growth of mold and microorganisms. The combination of temperature and humidity shown in region A of FIG. 10 represents an environment in the confined space K in which mold and microorganisms are highly unlikely to grow. The combination of temperature and humidity shown in region B of FIG. 10 represents an environment in the confined space K in which mold and microorganisms are highly unlikely to grow. The combination of temperature and humidity shown in region C of FIG. 10 represents an environment in the confined space K in which mold and microorganisms are likely to grow. The active species generator 500 includes a first sensor 17 (temperature and humidity sensor) that detects temperature and humidity. The active species generator 500 operates in a temperature and humidity environment that is favorable for the growth of mold and microorganisms, based on the temperature and humidity information from the first sensor 17.

[0029] 11 is a diagram showing an operation control flow of the active species generator 500 using the first sensor. The active species generator 500 acquires the temperature and humidity from the first sensor 17, and when it determines that the temperature and humidity exceed the threshold combination of temperature and humidity at which mold and microorganisms are likely to grow (step S001-YES), it starts operation of the active species generator 12 (step S002). Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S003), it stops operation of the active species generator 12 (step S004) and returns to step S001.

[0030] In step S001 for determining the temperature and humidity, if it is determined that the temperature and humidity do not exceed the thresholds (S001-NO), the process waits for a certain period of time (step S005) and returns to step S001. In this way, the active species generating device 500 can efficiently operate the active species generator 12, thereby contributing to energy conservation.

[0031] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a generation amount control flow of the active species generator 500 using the first sensor. In the operation control flow described with reference to Fig. 11, the ON / OFF of the active species generator 12 is controlled based on the temperature and humidity, but in the generation amount control flow shown in Fig. 12, the generation amount of active species is controlled based on the temperature and humidity acquired from the first sensor 17.

[0032] First, in the generation amount control flow, the active species generator 12 is operating normally (step S000). The active species generation device 500 acquires the temperature and humidity from the first sensor 17, and when it determines that the temperature and humidity exceed the temperature and humidity thresholds at which mold and microorganisms are likely to grow (step S001-YES), it increases the amount of active species generated in the active species generator 12 (step S006). Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S007), the operation of the active species generator 12 is returned to normal operation (step S008), and the process returns to step S000.

[0033] In step S001 for determining the temperature and humidity, if it is determined that the temperature and humidity do not exceed the thresholds (S001-NO), the amount of active species generated is reduced (step S009), the process waits for a certain period of time (step S010), and the process returns to step S000. In this way, according to the generation amount control flow, the operating state of the active species generator 12 can be changed efficiently, contributing to energy saving.

[0034] If an infrared sensor capable of measuring the temperature at a remote location is used as the temperature and humidity sensor serving as the first sensor 17, the actual temperature of the ceiling can be measured, and the active species generator 12 can be controlled more accurately.

[0035] The active species generating device according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a temperature and humidity sensor and controls the operation of the active species generator in accordance with the humidity and temperature of the enclosed space, thereby efficiently changing the operating state of the active species generator 12 and contributing to energy saving.

[0036] Sixth Embodiment An active species generator 600 and a method for inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms according to the sixth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the fifth embodiment. Fig. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of the active species generator 600. The active species generator 600 includes a second sensor 18 (illuminance sensor) that detects the illuminance in the enclosed space K. Based on the illuminance information from the second sensor 18, the active species generator 600 operates in a dark environment where no one is present in the enclosed space K, such as at night.

[0037] 14 is a diagram showing an operation control flow of the active species generator 600 using the second sensor 18. The active species generator 600 acquires the illuminance of the enclosed space K from the second sensor 18, and when it determines that the illuminance of the enclosed space K is less than a predetermined threshold (step S601-YES), it starts the operation of the active species generator 12 (step S002). Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S003), it stops the operation of the active species generator 12 (step S004) and returns to step S001.

[0038] In step S001 of determining the illuminance of the closed space K, if it is determined that the illuminance is not less than the threshold value (step S601-NO), the process waits for a certain period of time (step S005) and returns to step S001. In this way, according to the active species generating device 600, the active species generator 12 can be operated in a dark environment where there is no one present in the closed space K and there is little air flow, such as at night, thereby contributing to energy conservation.

[0039] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a generation amount control flow of the active species generator 600 using the second sensor 18. In the operation control flow described using Fig. 14, the ON / OFF of the active species generator 12 is controlled based on the illuminance in the closed space K, but in the generation amount control flow shown in Fig. 15, the generation amount of active species is controlled based on the illuminance in the closed space K obtained from the second sensor 18.

[0040] First, in the generation amount control flow, the active species generator 12 is operating normally (step S000). The active species generator 600 acquires the illuminance of the enclosed space K from the second sensor 18, and when it determines that the illuminance is less than a predetermined threshold (step S601-YES), increases the active species to be generated in the active species generator 12 (step S006). Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S007), the operation of the active species generator 12 is returned to normal operation (step S008), and the process returns to step S000.

[0041] In step S001 of determining the illuminance of the closed space K, if it is determined that the illuminance is not less than the threshold value (S601-NO), the amount of active species generated is reduced (step S009), the process waits for a certain period of time (step S010), and the process returns to step S000. In this way, according to the generation amount control flow, the operating state of the active species generator 12 can be changed efficiently in a dark environment where there is no one in the closed space K and there is little air flow, such as at night, thereby contributing to energy conservation.

[0042] The active species generating device according to the sixth embodiment is provided with an illuminance sensor and controls the operation of the active species generator 12 according to the illuminance in the enclosed space, thereby efficiently changing the operating state of the active species generator 12 and contributing to energy saving.

[0043] Seventh Embodiment An air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an air conditioner 50. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the air conditioner 50. The air conditioner 50 is a floor-mounted air conditioner 50 equipped with the active species generator described in the first to sixth embodiments, and blows air AR containing active species in the direction of the ceiling S. The air conditioner 50 is equipped with an active species generator 12 or an active species generator 312, a blower 13, and a heat exchanger 715. The air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment has the active species generator built in, and therefore can keep the air in the enclosed space K clean simply by installing the active species generator 712.

[0044] Eighth embodiment. A refrigerated freezer showcase according to an eighth embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a refrigerated freezer showcase 60 (hereinafter simply referred to as showcase 60, as long as it is equipped with a cooling device having at least one of a freezing function and a refrigeration function). Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of showcase 60. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of waste heat rising inside an intake duct 64 provided behind showcase 60. Fig. 20 is a view showing the state of an enclosed space K in which showcase 60 is installed.

[0045] The showcase 60 shown in Figures 17 and 18 is used in a store to display frozen foods, refrigerated foods, beverages, etc. A condenser 62, a heat exchanger 63, etc. are built into a housing 61. As shown in Figure 20, in an enclosed space K in which a showcase 60 that blows cold air is installed, humid warm air AH heated by a heater or the like stagnates near the ceiling S. When this warm air AH comes into contact with the cold air AC blown from the showcase 60, condensation CO occurs on the ceiling S and on the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S, which becomes a factor in the growth of mold and microorganisms.

[0046] 18 , a showcase 60 has any one of the active species generators 100, 100A, 100B, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 described in the first to sixth embodiments mounted on a top surface 60U. Since air AR containing active species can be blown from a location close to the ceiling S, the active species can be effectively dispersed in the vicinity of the ceiling S where humidity is particularly high.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19 , waste heat generated from the condenser 62 of the showcase 60 is discharged from the rear and bottom of the showcase 60, and a portion of this waste heat is sucked through the intake duct 64 connected to the active species generators 100 to 600. The waste heat of the condenser 62 rises inside the intake duct 64 and is sucked into the active species generators 100 to 600 installed on the top surface 60U of the showcase 60.

[0048] This prevents the cold air AC from being mixed in, and allows warm air AH containing active species and having a low relative humidity to be blown near the ceiling S from a location close to the ceiling S, thereby further improving the mold and microorganism inactivation effect. The intake duct 64 may be provided inside the housing 61 or may be added later.

[0049] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a showcase 60 having a barrier 65 protruding upward from the front edge 60UF of the top surface 60U. By providing the barrier 65 to separate the cool air AC generated inside the showcase 60 from the active species generators 100-600, the active species generators 100-600 can be prevented from directly drawing in the cool air AC from the showcase 60. This prevents condensation from occurring due to the transport of cooled air with high relative humidity to the ceiling S and the sidewall surfaces near the ceiling S, allowing the active species generators 100-600 to be used effectively. The showcase according to the eighth embodiment includes a cooling device in which the active species generators are installed on the top surface, allowing active species to be effectively dispersed near the ceiling S, where humidity is particularly high. The showcase according to the eighth embodiment also includes an intake duct that supplies waste heat generated by the condenser of the showcase to the active species generators. This suppresses the mixing of cold air AC and allows warm air AH containing active species and having a low relative humidity to be blown near the ceiling S from a location close to the ceiling S, thereby further improving the inactivation effect of mold and microorganisms. Furthermore, the showcase according to embodiment 8 is provided with a barrier on the top surface that blocks the cold air generated inside the showcase from the active species generator, thereby preventing the cold air AC from being directly sucked in from the showcase 60. This prevents the ceiling S and the side wall surfaces near the ceiling S from being cooled by radiation and causing condensation. Furthermore, the active species generators 100 to 600 can be used effectively.

[0050] Although various exemplary embodiments and examples are described in this disclosure, the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more embodiments are not limited to the application of a particular embodiment, but may be applied to the embodiments alone or in various combinations. Therefore, countless modifications not illustrated are anticipated within the scope of the technology disclosed in each embodiment. For example, this includes cases where at least one component is modified, added, or omitted, or where at least one component is extracted and combined with components of another embodiment.

[0051] 100, 100A, 100B, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Active species generator, 10 Case, 11, 411 Outlet, 12, 312 Active species generator, 13 Blower, 14 Filter, 15 Heater, 16 Dehumidifier, 17 First sensor, 18 Second sensor, 50 Air conditioner, 60 Showcase, 60U Top surface, 60UF Front edge, 61 Housing, 62 Condenser, 63, 715 Heat exchanger, 64 Intake duct, 65 Barrier, AR Air containing active species, DP1, DP2 Discharge products, E1 First discharge electrode, E2 Second discharge electrode, EA Ground electrode, H Holding part, K ​​Closed space, L1, L2 Discharge distance, AC Cold air, AH Warm air, CO Condensation, S Ceiling, X 1st direction.

Claims

1. An active species generating device comprising a blower that draws in gas from the outside and generates an airflow, an active species generator that generates active species by a discharge phenomenon, and an outlet that blows gas containing the active species from below to above.

2. The active species generator according to claim 1, further comprising a filter for collecting suspended solids in the inhaled gas.

3. The active species generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heater for heating the sucked gas, and blowing out the gas containing the active species at a temperature higher than the surroundings.

4. An active species generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a dehumidifier for dehumidifying the sucked gas, and for blowing out gas containing the active species that is less humid than the surrounding environment.

5. An active species generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the active species generator is provided with a plurality of active species generating electrodes that each generate active species having different characteristics, and blows gas containing two or more types of the active species.

6. An active species generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the direction of the outlet is changeable.

7. An active species generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a temperature and humidity sensor, and controlling the operation of the active species generator in accordance with the humidity and temperature of the enclosed space.

8. An active species generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an illuminance sensor, and controlling the operation of the active species generator in accordance with the illuminance in the enclosed space.

9. A showcase having a cooling device on the top surface of which the active species generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is installed.

10. The showcase according to claim 9, further comprising an intake duct for supplying waste heat generated from a condenser of the showcase to the active species generator.

11. The showcase according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a barrier on the top surface for blocking cold air generated inside the showcase from entering the active species generator.

12. An air conditioner incorporating an active species generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. A closed floor in which an active species generator is arranged facing the ceiling, which generates active species through discharge phenomena and blows gas containing the active species from below toward the ceiling.

14. A method for inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms in an enclosed space having a ceiling, which comprises generating active species by discharge and blowing gas containing said active species from below toward the ceiling.

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