US20070209373A1 - Air Conditioner - Google Patents
Air Conditioner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070209373A1 US20070209373A1 US11/547,126 US54712605A US2007209373A1 US 20070209373 A1 US20070209373 A1 US 20070209373A1 US 54712605 A US54712605 A US 54712605A US 2007209373 A1 US2007209373 A1 US 2007209373A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air
- air conditioner
- apatite
- disposed
- resin
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0043—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements
- F24F1/0057—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements mounted in or on a wall
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0035—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by introduction of outside air to the room
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0018—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by fans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0043—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements
- F24F1/0047—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements mounted in the ceiling or at the ceiling
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0059—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers
- F24F1/0063—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers by the mounting or arrangement of the heat exchangers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0071—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air
- F24F1/0073—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air characterised by the mounting or arrangement of filters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0087—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with humidification means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
- F24F8/15—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by chemical means
- F24F8/167—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by chemical means using catalytic reactions
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
- F24F8/192—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by electrical means, e.g. by applying electrostatic fields or high voltages
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0018—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by fans
- F24F1/0022—Centrifugal or radial fans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
- F24F8/22—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using UV light
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
- Y02A50/20—Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air conditioner for conditioning air.
- an optical semiconductor catalyst layer is disposed on the surfaces of an air inlet, an air filter, a heat exchanger, a scroll, a fan, an air outlet and the like of an indoor unit of an air conditioner to decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, inside the indoor unit (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
- An air conditioner pertaining to a first invention comprises a resin part and an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function.
- the resin part configures an air distribution path.
- an air conditioner referred to here
- an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an oxygen enrichment device, a total heat exchanger, and an air duct system and the like are included.
- the air distribution path is a path for distributing air into a room.
- the “resin part” referred to here is, for example, a scroll part, a flap, a humidified air supply hose, an oxygen-enriched air supply hose, an air supply pipe and an air discharge pipe of a total heat exchanger, an air duct and the like.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part.
- the “apatite that includes a photocatalytic function” referred to here is, for example, an apatite where some of the calcium atoms in calcium hydroxyapatite have been substituted with titanium atoms by a method such as ion exchange.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function may be distributed in the resin part or coated on the resin surface.
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part. For this reason, this air conditioner can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a second invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the first invention, further comprising an impeller.
- the impeller is a member for supplying the air into the room.
- the resin part is a scroll part.
- the scroll part causes a flow of the air generated as a result of the impeller rotating to converge.
- the resin part is a scroll part. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the scroll part can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a third invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the first invention or the second invention, wherein the resin part is a flap.
- the flap adjusts the flow direction of the air into the room.
- the resin part is a flap. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the flap can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a fourth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the first invention to the third invention, further comprising a humidifying unit and an indoor unit.
- the humidifying unit humidifies the air.
- the indoor unit is disposed in the room.
- the air distribution path is a humidified air distribution path.
- the humidified air distribution path is a distribution path for supplying, to the indoor unit, the air that has been humidified by the humidifying unit.
- the resin part configures a humidified air distribution path.
- the “resin part” referred to here is a humidifying hose, a humidifying duct and the like.
- the humidifying hose, the humidifying duct and the like can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a fifth invention comprises a resin part and an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function.
- the resin part is disposed in an air distribution path.
- the air distribution path is a path for distributing air into a room.
- the “resin part” referred to here is, for example, a fan, a drain pan, configural parts of a humidifying unit and the like.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part.
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part. For this reason, this air conditioner can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a sixth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the fifth invention, wherein the resin part is an impeller. It will be noted that the impeller is a member for supplying the air into the room.
- the resin part is an impeller. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the impeller can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a seventh invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the fifth invention or the sixth invention, further comprising a cooling part.
- the cooling part is a member for cooling the air.
- the “cooling part” referred to here is a heat exchanger (evaporator) or the like.
- the resin part is a drain pan. The drain pan receives water condensed by the cooling part.
- the resin part is a drain pan.
- the drain pan can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to an eighth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the fifth invention to the seventh invention, wherein the resin part is a humidifying unit.
- the humidifying unit humidifies the air.
- the resin part is a humidifying unit.
- the humidifying unit can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a ninth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the first invention to the eighth invention, wherein the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is distributed in the resin part.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is distributed in the resin part. For this reason, a resin part that includes a cleaning function can be manufactured hardly without changing the manufacturing method of the resin part. Further, an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide erodes resin when it is active, so that a special binder has been necessary when the optical semiconductor catalyst is distributed in the resin, but the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function hardly erodes resin when it is active despite the fact that it exhibits greater decomposing capability than titanium dioxide with respect to bacteria, viruses and the like. For this reason, a special binder is not necessary. Consequently, a resin part that includes a cleaning function can be manufactured at a lower cost.
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide erodes resin when it is active, so that a special binder has been necessary when the optical semiconductor catalyst is distributed in the resin, but the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function hardly erodes resin when it is active despite the fact that it exhibits greater decomposing
- An air conditioner pertaining to a tenth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the first invention to the ninth invention, wherein the portion of the resin part where the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed is surface-roughened.
- the portion of the resin part where the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed is surface-roughened. For this reason, more of the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function can be disposed on the surface of the resin part. Consequently, this air conditioner can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with even greater efficiency.
- An air distribution path forming member pertaining to an eleventh invention is an air distribution path forming member that forms an air distribution path for distributing air into a room, wherein the air distribution path forming member is molded from resin.
- the “air distribution path forming member” referred to here is, for example, a humidified air supply hose, an oxygen-enriched air supply hose, an air supply pipe and an air discharge pipe of a total heat exchanger, an air duct and the like.
- the air distribution path forming member comprises an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function. It will be noted that the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed so as to contact the air flowing in the air distribution path.
- the “apatite that includes a photocatalytic function” referred to here is, for example, an apatite where some of the calcium atoms in calcium hydroxyapatite have been substituted with titanium atoms by a method such as ion exchange. Further, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function may be distributed in the air distribution path forming member itself or coated on the inner surface of the air distribution path forming member.
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- the air distribution path forming member is molded from resin. Additionally, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed so as to contact the air flowing in the air distribution path. For this reason, this air distribution path forming member can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- An air distribution path forming member pertaining to a twelfth invention is an air distribution path forming member that forms an air distribution path for distributing air into a room, the air distribution path forming member comprising a resin layer and an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function.
- the resin layer is disposed so as to cover at least part of the air distribution path.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin layer.
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- the resin layer is disposed so as to cover at least part of the air distribution path.
- the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin layer. For this reason, this air distribution path forming member can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- the air conditioner pertaining to the first invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- the scroll part can be kept clean.
- the flap can be kept clean.
- the humidifying hose and the humidifying duct can be kept clean.
- the air conditioner pertaining to the fifth invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- the impeller can be kept clean.
- the drain pan can be kept clean.
- the humidifying unit can be kept clean.
- a resin part that includes a cleaning function can be manufactured hardly without changing the manufacturing method of the resin part.
- the air conditioner pertaining to the tenth invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with even greater efficiency.
- the air distribution path forming member pertaining to the eleventh invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- the air distribution path forming member pertaining to the twelfth invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- FIG. 1 is an external view of an air conditioner pertaining to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram of a refrigerant system of the air conditioner pertaining to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit pertaining to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing part of the configuration of an indoor unit casing pertaining to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is an external view of an air conditioner pertaining to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram of a refrigerant system of the air conditioner pertaining to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner pertaining to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a comparative diagram of the photocatalytic activities of titanium dioxide and titanium apatite.
- FIG. 9 is a comparative diagram of resin erosivity of titanium dioxide and titanium apatite.
- FIG. 1 The exterior of an air conditioner 1 pertaining to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the air conditioner 1 is disposed with a wall-mounted type indoor unit 2 , which is attached to the surface of a wall in a room, and an outdoor unit 3 , which is disposed outside the room.
- An indoor heat exchanger is housed inside the indoor unit 2
- an outdoor heat exchanger is housed inside the outdoor unit 3
- the heat exchangers are connected by a refrigerant pipe 4 to configure a refrigerant circuit.
- the configuration of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 1 is shown in FIG. 2 .
- the refrigerant circuit is mainly configured by an indoor heat exchanger 20 , an accumulator 31 , a compressor 32 , a four-way switch valve 33 , an outdoor heat exchanger 30 , and an electrically powered expansion valve 34 .
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 disposed in the indoor unit 2 performs heat exchange with air coming into contact therewith. Further, a cross flow fan 21 for taking in room air, passing the room air through the indoor heat exchanger 20 , and discharging, into the room, air after heat exchange has been performed is disposed in the indoor unit 2 .
- the cross flow fin 21 is configured in a circular cylinder shape, with blades being disposed on its peripheral surface in its rotational axis direction, and creates an airflow in a direction intersecting its rotational axis.
- the cross flow fan 21 is driven to rotate by an indoor fan motor 22 disposed inside the indoor unit 2 . The detailed configuration of the indoor unit 2 will be described later.
- the compressor 32 , the four-way switch valve 33 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 32 , the accumulator 31 connected to the intake side of the compressor 32 , the outdoor heat exchanger 30 connected to the four-way switch valve 33 , and the electrically powered expansion valve 34 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 30 are disposed in the outdoor unit 3 .
- the electrically powered expansion valve 34 is connected to a pipe 41 via a filter 35 and a liquid shutoff valve 36 , and is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 20 via this pipe 41 .
- the four-way switch valve 33 is connected to a pipe 42 via a gas shutoff valve 37 , and is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 20 via this pipe 42 .
- the pipes 41 and 42 correspond to the refrigerant pipe 4 in FIG. 1 .
- a propeller fan 38 for discharging air after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 30 to the outside is disposed in the outdoor unit 3 .
- the propeller fan 38 is driven to rotate by a fan motor 39 .
- FIG. 3 A side sectional view of the indoor unit 2 is shown in FIG. 3 .
- the indoor unit 2 is disposed with the aforementioned cross flow fan 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the like and an indoor unit casing 23 a that houses these.
- the cross flow fan 21 is driven to rotate about a central axis by the indoor fan motor 22 to create an airflow where air is taken in from an inlet 251 , passed through the indoor heat exchanger 20 , and blown into the room from an outlet 252 .
- the cross flow fan 21 is positioned in the substantial center of the indoor unit 2 when seen in side view.
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed so as to surround the front, the top, and the top of the rear portion of the cross flow fan 21 . Air taken in from the inlet 251 by the driving of the cross flow fan 21 passes toward the cross flow fan 21 . Heat exchange is performed between the air and refrigerant passing through a heat exchange tube of the indoor heat exchanger 20 .
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 has a substantially inverted “V” cross-sectional shape when seen in side view. It will be noted that drain pans 29 a and 29 b are disposed in the lower portion of the indoor heat exchanger 20 . The drain pans 29 a and 29 b play a receiving role such that dew forming on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 20 during cooling does not fall into the room.
- the indoor unit casing 23 a is mainly configured by a scroll 24 , a front grill 25 a , and a front panel 26 a.
- the scroll 24 configures the rear side of the indoor unit 2 and covers the rear of the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the cross flow fan 21 .
- the front grill 25 a is formed so as to cover the top, the sides, and the bottom of the indoor unit 2 , and the front panel 26 a is attached to the front portion of the front grill 25 a (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 ).
- the inlet 251 which comprises plural slit-shaped openings, is disposed in the top of the front grill 25 a .
- the inlet 251 is disposed across substantially the entire top of the front grill 25 a .
- the outlet 252 which comprises an opening along the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 2 , is disposed in the front of the underside of the front grill 25 a .
- a horizontal flap 253 along which air blown into the room is guided, is disposed in the outlet 252 .
- the horizontal flap 253 is disposed so as to freely rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 2 .
- the horizontal flap 253 rotates by a flap motor (not shown) such that it can open and close the outlet 252 .
- the front panel 26 a is disposed on the front of the indoor unit 2 .
- the front panel 26 a is formed separately from the front grill 25 a and is attached so as to cover the front of the front grill 25 a .
- the front side of the front grill 25 a is configured by two surfaces that are divided into one above and one below by a step disposed horizontally, and each of the surfaces is formed substantially flatly and is a smooth surface in which there is no unevenness or openings such as holes or slits. Further, the step portion is a planar opening, and the room air is also taken in from this opening (see the white arrow Al in FIG. 3 ).
- an opening 254 is disposed in the front of the front grill 25 a .
- Various kinds of filters 50 , 51 and 52 are disposed between the front of the front grill 25 a and the front panel 26 a , whereby the opening 254 is covered by the filters 50 , 51 and 52 .
- the filters 50 , 51 and 52 are a pre-filter 50 , an air purifying filter 51 , and a photocatalytic filter 52 .
- the pre-filter 50 can remove dirt and dust from the passing air.
- the pre-filter 50 is disposed so as to cover the front and top of the front grill 25 a .
- the portion of the pre-filter 50 positioned on the top of the front grill 25 a is positioned just inside the top inlet 251 .
- the air purifying filter 51 is disposed on the front upper portion of the front grill 25 a and at the inner side of the pre-filter 50 .
- the air purifying filter 51 can remove fine dust, cigarette smoke, pollen and the like from the passing air more than the pre-filter 50 .
- the photocatalytic filter 52 is disposed on the front lower portion of the front grill 25 a and can remove odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like from the passing air.
- the odorous components are, for example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, and are components that cause malodors arising from cigarettes, food scraps, and construction materials.
- the poisonous gases are poisonous components included in exhaust gases of cars and the like, such as NO 2 and SO x .
- the photocatalytic filter 52 is formed in a sheet shape that has a honeycomb structure, and mainly includes titanium apatite.
- this titanium apatite is an apatite where some of the calcium atoms in calcium hydroxyapatite have been substituted with titanium atoms by a method such as ion exchange and the like. Additionally, this titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. Moreover, this titanium apatite includes a photocatalytic function, exhibits powerful oxidizing power by light, and can decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like.
- the cross flow fan 21 , the front grill 25 a (including the inlet 251 , the outlet 252 , the scroll 24 , and the drain pans 29 a and 29 b ), the front panel 26 a , and the flap 253 , which are members configuring the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 1 , are resin molded bodies, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin. It will be noted that the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 are substantially smooth. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Further, the indoor heat exchanger 20 is a metal body made of aluminium or the like, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface.
- the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. Additionally, these titanium apatites exhibit powerful oxidizing power and can decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by outside light and an ultraviolet lamp 60 (see FIG. 3 ) disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the cross flow fan 21 . It will be noted that the titanium apatite presents in the inlet 251 , the outlet 252 , and the outer surfaces of the scroll 24 , the flap 253 and the front panel 26 a , and is activated mainly by outside light.
- An influenza virus suspension was delivered by drops into filters (about 30 mm ⁇ 30 mm) coated with titanium apatite, stored at room temperature under dark conditions (shielded from light) and bright conditions (irradiation with black light (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm)), and the viral infectivity after 24 hours was measured.
- a medium obtained by adding 10% newborn calf serum to Eagle MEM (including 0.06 mg/ml kanamycin) was used.
- a medium having the following composition was used.
- the cell growth medium was used to grow the MDCK cells in monolayer culture inside a tissue culture flask.
- the cell growth medium was removed from the inside of the flask and the cells were inoculated with the test virus.
- the cell maintenance medium was added and the cells were incubated for 2 to 5 days inside a 37° C. carbon dioxide incubator (CO 2 concentration: 5%).
- the culture fluid was centrifugally separated (3,000 r/min., for 10 minutes) and the obtained supernatant fluid was used for the virus suspension.
- the filter (about 30 mm ⁇ 30 mm) was air-dried for 1 hour after moist heat sterilization (121° C., for 15 minutes), placed in a plastic Petri dish, and irradiated with black light (black light blue, FL20S BL-B 20W, 2 in parallel) for 12 hours or more to obtain the sample.
- black light black light blue, FL20S BL-B 20W, 2 in parallel
- 0.2 mL of the virus suspension was delivered by drops to the samples. These were stored at room temperature under shielding from light and irradiation with black light (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm). Further, polyethylene film was used as a comparative sample and tested in the same manner.
- the virus suspension in the specimen was washed out with 2 mL of the cell maintenance medium.
- the cell growth medium was used to grow the MDCK cells in monolayer culture inside a tissue culture microplate (96 holes), and thereafter the cell growth medium was removed and 0.1 mL each of a cell maintenance medium was added. Next, 4 holes each were inoculated with washout fluid and 0.1 mL diluted fluid thereof, and the cells were incubated for 4 to 7 days inside a 37° C. carbon oxide incubator (CO 2 concentration: 5%). After the cells were incubated, an inverted phase contrast microscope was used to observe whether or not there were morphological changes in the cells, and a 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID 50 ) was calculated by the Reed-Muench method and converted to viral infectivity per 1 mL of the washout fluid.
- TCID 50 50% tissue culture infective dose
- the test was implemented as follows.
- Bacteria liquids of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus , and Cladosporium cladosporioides were delivered by drops to samples and low-density polyethylene films were placed thereon to contact the samples. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25° C.) under dark conditions (shielded from light) and bright conditions (irradiated with black light (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm)), and the viable counts after 24 hours were measured.
- a bacterial body obtained by again inoculating the NA medium with the test strain that had been preincubated at 35° C. for 16 to 24 hours in the NA medium and which was incubated at 35° C. for 16 to 20 hours was uniformly dispersed in the 1/500 NB medium and prepared such that the bacterial count per 1 mL became 2.5 ⁇ 10 5 to 1.0 ⁇ 10 6 .
- spores (conidiospores) were suspended in a 0.005% sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate solution, filtered by a gauze, and prepared such that the spore number per 1 mL became 2.5 ⁇ 10 5 to 1.0 ⁇ 10 6 .
- Filters (about 50 mm ⁇ 50 mm) were air-dried for 1 hour after moist heat sterilization (121° C., for 15 minutes), placed in plastic Petri dishes, and irradiated with black light (black light blue, FL20S BL-B 20W, 2 in parallel) for 12 hours or more to obtain the samples.
- black light black light blue, FL20S BL-B 20W, 2 in parallel
- the number of viable bacteria in the washout fluid was measured by the pour plate culture method using the SA medium (incubated for 2 days at 35° C.) for the bacteria and the PDA medium (incubated for 7 days at 25° C.) for the fungus and converted per sample. Further, measurement immediately after inoculation was performed in a comparative sample.
- Samples were inoculated with staphylococcal enterotoxin A (hereinafter abbreviated as “SET-A”) and stored at room temperature (20 to 25° C.) under dark conditions (shielded from light) and bright conditions (irradiated with ultraviolet light with a strength of about 1 mW/cm 2 ), and the SET-A density after 24 hours was measured and the decomposition rate was calculated.
- SET-A staphylococcal enterotoxin A
- SET-A standard (Toxin Technology) was dissolved in 1% sodium chloride including 0.5% bovine serum albumin to prepare a 5 ⁇ m/mL standard stock solution.
- the standard stock solution was diluted in a buffer solution accompanying VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) to prepare 0.2, 0.5, and 1 ng/mL standard solutions.
- SET VIDAX Staph enterotoxin
- Filters were cut to a size of 50 mm ⁇ 50 mm and irradiated with a black light for 24 hours from a distance of about 1 cm to obtain the samples.
- the samples were placed in plastic Petri dishes and inoculated with 0.4 mL of the SET-A standard stock solution. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25° C.) under shielding from light and irradiation with ultraviolet light having a strength of about 1 mW/cm 2 (black light, FL20S BL-B 20 W, 2 in parallel).
- the SET-A was washed out from the sample with 10 mL of a buffer solution accompanying VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) to obtain sample solutions.
- SET VIDAX Staph enterotoxin
- a plastic Petri dish in which no sample was placed was inoculated with 0.4 mL of SET-A standard stock solution and 10 mL of a buffer solution accompanying VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) was immediately added to obtain a reference.
- SET VIDAX Staph enterotoxin
- the standard solution for calibration curve was measured by the ELISA method using VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) to create a calibration curve from the concentration and fluorescence intensity of the standard solution.
- SET VIDAX Staph enterotoxin
- the fluorescence intensity of the sample solutions was measured by the ELISA method using VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux), the SET-A density was determined from the calibration curve created in E., and the decomposition rate was calculated by the following expression.
- SET VIDAX Staph enterotoxin
- Decomposition rate (%) (measured value of reference ⁇ measured value of sample solution)/measured value of comparison ⁇ 100
- the cross flow fan 21 , the front grill 25 a (including the inlet 251 , the outlet 252 , the scroll 24 , and the drain pans 29 a and 29 b ), the front panel 26 a , and the flap 253 are molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by outside light and the ultraviolet lamp 60 . For this reason, the air conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed.
- titanium apatite is coated on the indoor heat exchanger 20 . Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by outside light and the ultraviolet lamp 60 . For this reason, the air conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed.
- titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded bodies 211 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 .
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has often been coated.
- titanium apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is distributed in the resin molded bodies. For this reason, it is not necessary to add manufacturing steps after the resin molding step. Consequently, the manufacturing cost can be kept as low as possible.
- titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded bodies 211 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 .
- titanium apatite exhibits decomposition performance that is superior to that of conventional anatase type titanium dioxide with respect to acetaldehyde.
- the vertical axis represents carbon dioxide concentration and the horizontal axis represents time.
- decomposition performance is indirectly measured by measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide arising due to the decomposition of acetaldehyde. It will be noted that this measurement is performed matching the surface area of titanium apatite and the surface area of titanium dioxide.
- titanium apatite exhibits greater decomposition performance than titanium dioxide. Further, whereas titanium apatite continues to decompose acetaldehyde at a constant reaction speed even after 3 hours has elapsed, the decomposition capability of titanium dioxide becomes almost saturated when 3 hours elapses, and the difference between the decomposition capabilities of both becomes remarkable. For this reason, the air conditioner I can realize decomposition capability that is superior to that of an air conditioner using conventional anatase type titanium dioxide with respect to bacteria, viruses and the like.
- titanium apatite whereas anatase type titanium dioxide erodes not only bacteria and viruses but also the base material (urethane resin) that carries the anatase type titanium dioxide, titanium apatite hardly erodes the base material. For this reason, titanium apatite does not require the expensive special binder that has been used when conventional anatase type titanium dioxide is carried in organic matter. Consequently, when titanium apatite is used, not only can superior decomposition capability be provided with respect to bacteria, viruses and the like, but fiber that includes a photocatalytic function can be manufactured at a low cost.
- the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 were substantially smooth, but the resin molded bodies 21 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 may also be surface-roughened. By doing so, more titanium apatite can be disposed on the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 .
- titanium apatite was distributed in the resin molded bodies such as the cross flow fan 21 , the front grill 25 a (including the inlet 251 , the outlet 252 , the scroll 24 , and the drain pans 29 a and 29 b ), the front panel 26 a , and the flap 253 , but titanium apatite may also be coated on those resin molded bodies.
- the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 may be roughened. By doing so, more titanium apatite can be disposed on the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 .
- a mixture of titanium apatite and a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst may be coated on the resin molded bodies 21 , 25 a , 26 a , and 253 .
- the ultraviolet lamp 60 was employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite, but an LED or the like may also be employed as a light source instead of this. Because an LED is less expensive than the ultraviolet lamp 60 , the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
- an ultraviolet lamp was employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite, but a plasma generator (e.g., a glow discharge device, a barrier discharge device, and a streamer discharge device, etc.) may also be employed instead of this.
- a plasma generator e.g., a glow discharge device, a barrier discharge device, and a streamer discharge device, etc.
- ultraviolet light is created in the same manner, and consequently the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite can be activated by that ultraviolet light.
- radical species of high-speed electrons, ions, ozone and hydroxy radicals, and active species of other excited molecules are created, so that odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like can be even more efficiently decomposed and detoxified.
- titanium apatite was distributed in the cross flow fan 21 , the front grill 25 a , the front panel 26 a , and the flap 253 , but the targets in which titanium apatite is distributed are not limited to the configural parts of the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 1 as described above.
- titanium apatite may be distributed in these.
- FIG. 5 The exterior of an air conditioner 301 pertaining to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 .
- the air conditioner 301 is configured by an indoor unit 302 , which is attached to the surface of a wall or the like in a room, and an outdoor unit 303, which is disposed outside the room.
- the outdoor unit 303 is disposed with an outdoor air conditioning unit 305, which houses an outdoor heat exchanger and a propeller fan and the like, and a humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 .
- An indoor heat exchanger is housed inside the indoor unit 302
- an outdoor heat exchanger is housed inside the outdoor unit 303 .
- the heat exchangers and refrigerant pipes 331 and 332 that connect these heat exchangers configure a refrigerant circuit.
- an air supply and discharge pipe 307 that is used when supplying outdoor air and humidified air from the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 to the indoor unit 302 and when discharging the room air to the outside is disposed between the outdoor unit 303 and the indoor unit 302 .
- FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the outlines of the flows of air have been added to a system diagram of the refrigerant circuit used in the air conditioner 301 .
- the indoor heat exchanger 311 is disposed in the indoor unit 302 .
- the indoor heat exchanger 311 comprises a heat exchange pipe that is folded back plural times at both length-direction ends and plural fins through which the heat exchange pipe is inserted, and performs heat exchange with air coming into contact therewith.
- a cross flow fan 312 and an indoor fan motor 313 that drives the cross flow fan 312 to rotate are disposed inside the indoor unit 302 .
- the cross flow fan 312 is configured in a circular cylinder shape, with numerous blades being disposed on its peripheral surface, and creates an airflow in a direction intersecting its rotational axis.
- the cross flow fan 312 causes room air to be taken into the indoor unit 302 , and causes air after heat exchange has been performed with the indoor heat exchanger 311 to be blown into the room.
- a compressor 321 , a four-way switch valve 322 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 321 , an accumulator 323 connected to the intake side of the compressor 321 , an outdoor heat exchanger 324 connected to the four-way switch valve 322 , and an electrically powered valve 325 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 324 are disposed in the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 .
- the electrically powered valve 325 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 332 via a filter 326 and a liquid shutoff valve 327 , and is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 311 via this refrigerant pipe 332 .
- the four-way switch valve 322 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 331 via a gas shutoff valve 328 , and is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 311 via this refrigerant pipe 331 .
- These refrigerant pipes 331 and 332 correspond to the refrigerant pipe 306 shown in FIG. 5 .
- a propeller fan 329 for discharging, to the outside, air after heat exchange by the outdoor heat exchanger 324 is disposed inside the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 .
- the propeller fan 329 is driven to rotate by an outdoor fan motor 330 .
- the outdoor unit 303 is configured as a result of the lower outdoor air conditioning unit 305 and the upper humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 being integrated.
- the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 is configured by casing members such as a front panel 351 , side plates 352 and 353 , a protective metal screen (not shown), and a metal bottom plate 354 , and by refrigerant circuit configural parts housed therein.
- the front panel 351 is a resin member that covers the front of the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 , and is disposed downstream of the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 324 with respect to the outdoor heat exchanger 324 .
- An outdoor air conditioning unit outlet 351 a comprising plural slit-shaped openings is disposed in the front panel 351 , and the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 324 passes through the outdoor air conditioning unit outlet 351 a from the inside of the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 and is blown to the outside of the outdoor unit 303 .
- a fan outlet member 356 and a partition plate 357 are attached to the rear of the front panel 351 .
- the side plates 352 and 353 comprise a right side plate 352 and a left side plate 353 , which are metal members that cover the side of the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 .
- the right side plate 353 is disposed on the right side and the left side plate 353 is disposed on the left side when the outdoor unit 303 is seen from the front.
- the side plates 352 and 353 are disposed substantially parallel with respect to the blowout direction of the air that passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 324 and is blown out from the outdoor air conditioning unit outlet 351 a .
- a shutoff valve cover 355 for protecting the liquid shutoff valve 327 and the gas shutoff valve 328 is attached to the right side plate 352 .
- the refrigerant circuit configural parts are the outdoor heat exchanger 324 , the compressor 321 , the accumulator 323 , the four-way switch valve 322 , and the electrically powered valve 325 (see FIG. 6 ) and the like.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 324 has a substantial “L” shape when seen in plan view and is disposed in front of the protective metal screen covering the rear of the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 .
- the outdoor fan motor 330 and the propeller fan 329 are disposed in an aeration space between the partition plate 357 and the left side plate 353 and in front of the outdoor heat exchanger 324 .
- the outdoor fan motor 330 causes the propeller fan 329 to rotate.
- the propeller fan 329 causes the air taken into the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 to contact the outdoor heat exchanger 324 and to be discharged to the front of the front panel 351 from the outdoor air conditioning unit outlet 351 a.
- refrigerant circuit configural parts such as the compressor 321 , the accumulator 323 , the four-way switch valve 322 , and the electrically powered valve 325 are disposed in a machine chamber between the partition plate 357 and the right side plate 352 .
- an electrical components unit 358 is attached to the top portion of the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 .
- the electrical components unit 358 is configured by an electrical components box and a printed board on which circuit parts for controlling the respective units are mounted.
- a fireproof plate 359 is attached to the top of the electrical components unit 358 .
- the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 includes a humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 .
- the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 covers the front, the rear, and both sides of the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304, and is disposed so as to contact the upper portion of the outdoor air conditioning unit 305 .
- An adsorption-use air outlet 340 a comprising plural slit-shaped openings is disposed in the front side of the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 , and air passes through this adsorption-use air outlet 340 a and is blown to the outside of the outdoor unit 303 .
- an adsorption-use air inlet 340 b and an air supply and discharge opening 340 c are disposed side by side in the left-right direction in the rear side of the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 .
- the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b is an opening through which passes air that is to be taken in from the outside in order to cause a moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 to adsorb moisture.
- the air supply and discharge opening 340 c is an opening through which passes air that is to be taken in so that the air can be sent to the indoor unit 302 or through which passes air that has been taken in from the indoor unit 302 and is to be discharged to the outside.
- top portion of the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 is covered by a top plate 366 .
- the right side of the inside of the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 serves as a space for housing the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 and the like, and the left side of the inside of the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 serves as an adsorption-use fan housing space SPI for housing an adsorption-use fan 346 and the like.
- the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 , a heater assembly 342 , a radial fan assembly 343 , a switching damper 344 , an adsorption-side duct 345 , and the adsorption-use fan 346 and the like are disposed inside the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 .
- the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 is a honeycomb-structure ceramic rotor that is substantially discoid, and has a structure such that air can easily pass therethrough.
- the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 is a rotor that has a circular shape when seen in plan view, and has a fine honeycomb shape in cross section cut by a horizontal plane. Additionally, air passes through numerous cylinder portions of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 whose cross sections are polygonal.
- the principal portion of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 is fired from an adsorbing agent such as zeolite, silica gel, or alumina.
- This adsorbing agent such as zeolite has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air that makes contact therewith and releasing water that has been adsorbed and included therein as a result of the adsorbing agent being heated.
- the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 is rotatably supported via an unillustrated rotor guide on a support shaft 340 d disposed in the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 .
- a gear is formed on the peripheral surface of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 , and this gear meshes with a rotor drive gear 348 attached to a drive shaft of a rotor drive motor 347 .
- the heater assembly 342 is configured by a heater cover 342 a and a heater body (not shown) housed therein, and heats air that is taken in from the outside and sent to the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 . Further, the heater assembly 342 is disposed so as to cover substantially half (the right side half) of the upper surface of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 . An inlet for taking in air and an outlet for discharging to the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 the air that has been heated by the heater assembly 342 are formed in the underside of the heater assembly 342 . The heater assembly 342 is attached to the top of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 via a heater support plate 349 .
- the radial fan assembly 343 is disposed on the side of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 , and includes a radial fan (not shown) and a radial fan motor (not shown) that causes the radial fan to rotate. Further, the radial fan assembly 343 shares an upper lid (not shown) with the switching damper 344 , and the upper lid closes the bottom side of the radial fan assembly 343 . An air outlet and an air inlet are disposed in the upper lid. The air outlet is an opening through which passes air that is sent from the radial fan assembly 343 into the switching damper 344 .
- the air inlet is an opening through which passes air sent from the inside of the switching damper 344 to the radial fan assembly 343 .
- the radial fan assembly 343 creates a flow of air from the air supply and discharge opening 340 c into the room via the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 and the switching damper 344 , and sends air taken in from the outside to the indoor unit 302 . Further, the radial fan assembly 343 can also discharge air that has been taken in from the indoor unit 302 to the outside. The radial fan assembly 343 switches between these operations when the switching damper 344 is switched.
- the radial fan assembly 343 When the radial fan assembly 343 sends to the indoor unit 302 air that has been taken in from the outside, it sends, to an air supply and discharge duct 361 via the switching damper 344 , air that has passed through the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 and fallen from the front portion of the substantially half portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 .
- the air supply and discharge duct 361 is connected to the air supply and discharge pipe 307 (see FIG. 5 ), and the radial fan assembly 343 supplies air to the indoor unit 302 via the air supply and discharge duct 361 and the air supply and discharge pipe 307 .
- the radial fan assembly 343 discharges to the outside the room air that has been taken in from the indoor unit 302 , it discharges, to the outside from the air supply and discharge opening 340 c disposed in the rear side of the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 , air that has been sent from the air supply and discharge duct 361 .
- the switching damper 344 is a rotary airflow path switching means disposed below the radial fan assembly 343 , and switches between a first state, a second state, and a third state.
- the air blown out from the radial fan assembly 343 passes through the air supply and discharge pipe 307 via the air supply and discharge duct 316 and is supplied to the indoor unit 302 .
- the air flows in the direction of the arrow represented by the solid line arrow A 2 in FIG. 6 , and humidified air or outdoor air passes through the air supply and discharge pipe 307 and is supplied to the indoor unit 302 .
- the air flows in the direction of the arrow represented by the dotted line arrow A 3 in FIG. 6 , and the air flowing from the indoor unit 302 through the air supply and discharge pipe 307 and the air supply and discharge duct 361 is discharged to the outside from the radial fan assembly 343 via the air supply and discharge opening 340 c.
- the path connecting the switching damper 344 and the air supply and discharge duct 361 is closed so that the flow of air between the outdoor unit 303 and the indoor unit 302 is cut off.
- the adsorption-side duct 345 covers the portion of the upper surface of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 where the heater assembly 342 is not positioned (the substantially half portion at the left side). Together with a later-described adsorption-side bellmouth 363 , the adsorption-side duct 345 forms an airflow path from the upper surface of the portion at the left half of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 to the upper portion of the adsorption-use fan housing space SP I described below.
- the adsorption-use fan 346 housed in the adsorption-use fan housing space SPI is a centrifugal fan that rotates by an adsorption-use fan motor 365 , and takes in air from an open portion 363 a in the adsorption-side bellmouth 363 disposed in the upper portion to create an airflow flowing from the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b to the open portion 363 a via the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 .
- the adsorption-use fan 346 discharges, from the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a to the front of the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 , dry air whose moisture has been adsorbed when the air passes through the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 .
- the adsorption-side bellmouth 363 is disposed in the upper portion of the adsorption-use fan housing space SP 1 and plays the role of guiding, to the adsorption-use fan 346 , the air passing through the airflow path formed by the adsorption-side duct 345 .
- the air supply and discharge pipe 307 is a resin molded body, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. It will be noted that part of the air supply and discharge pipe 307 is transparent such that outside light shines into the inside.
- the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 (including the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a , the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b , the air supply and discharge opening 340 c , and the support shaft 340 d ), the top plate 366 , the adsorption-use fan 346 , the rotor drive gear 348 , the radial fan, the switching damper 344 , the air supply and discharge duct 361 , the adsorption-side duct 345 , and the adsorption-side bellmouth 363 , which are members configuring the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 , are resin molded bodies, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin.
- the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 340 , 366 , 346 , 348 , 344 , 361 , 345 , and 363 are substantially smooth. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Further, the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 is a ceramic body, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface. Further, the heater cover 342 a is a metal body made of aluminium or the like, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface. It will be noted that an unillustrated ultraviolet lamp is disposed in the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 .
- the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 is configured such that outside light shines therein from the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a , the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b , and the air supply and discharge opening 340 c.
- the cross flow fan 312 and the casing and the like which are members configuring the indoor unit 302 of the air conditioner 301 , are resin molded bodies, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Further, the indoor heat exchanger 311 is a metal body made of aluminium or the like, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface. It will be noted that an ultraviolet lamp is disposed in the indoor unit 302 .
- the titanium apatite distributed in or coated on the above members specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. Additionally, the titanium apatite exhibits powerful oxidizing power by outside light or the ultraviolet lamp, and can decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like.
- the switching damper 344 When a humidifying operation is performed in the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the present embodiment, the switching damper 344 is switched to the first state.
- the operation of the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 when performing the humidifying operation and an air supply operation will be described below on the basis of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 .
- the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 drives the adsorption-use fan 346 to rotate, whereby it takes in air from the outside from the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b into the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 .
- the air entering the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 passes through the substantially half portion at the left side of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 , passes through the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a from the adsorption fan housing space SPI via the adsorption-use fan 346 and the airflow path formed by the adsorption-side duct 345 and the adsorption-side bellmouth 346 , and is discharged to the front of the outdoor unit 303 (see arrow A 4 in FIG.
- the substantially half portion at the left side of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 that has adsorbed the moisture in this adsorption process becomes the substantially half portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 as a result of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 rotating. That is, the adsorbed moisture moves to the portion of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 positioned below the heater assembly 342 in accompaniment with the rotation of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 . Then, the moisture that has moved here is released into the airflow created by the radial fan assembly 343 by heat from the heater assembly 342 .
- the air entering the heater assembly 342 is discharged from a discharge opening in the underside of the heater assembly 342 , passes downward from above through the front portion of the substantially half portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 , passes through the inside of the switching damper 344 from a casing side portion opening in the switching damper 344 , and reaches the radial fan assembly 343 (see arrow A 5 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 ). This airflow is created by the radial fan assembly 343 .
- the radial fan assembly 343 sends, to the indoor unit 302 via the switching damper 344 , the air supply and discharge duct 361 and the air supply and discharge pipe 307 , the air passing through the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 and the switching damper 344 .
- the air sent to the indoor unit 302 thus comes to include the moisture that had been adsorbed by the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 .
- the air supplied from the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 to the indoor unit 302 is blown into the room via the indoor heat exchanger 311 .
- the air conditioner 301 can also perform just air supply and air ventilation where outdoor air is taken in and sent to the indoor unit 302 without being humidified.
- the control content includes control of the aforementioned humidifying operation and control relating to an air supply operation, an air discharge operation, and a defrosting operation.
- the control unit When the control unit receives a humidification command from a remote controller or determines that the humidifying operation is necessary in response to a humidification automatic operation command from a remote controller, the control unit performs the humidifying operation. This humidifying operation is also often performed together with a heating operation. In the humidifying operation, the rotor drive motor 347 , the heater body, the radial fan motor, and the adsorption-use fan motor 365 inside the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 are driven.
- the rotation of the adsorption-use fan 346 causes the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 to adsorb moisture included in the air guided from the outside into the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 , and the air heated by the heater body passes through the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 by the rotation of the radial fan, so that air including the moisture released from the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 is supplied to the indoor unit 302 via the air supply and discharge pipe 307 .
- the control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the indoor ventilation, the control unit performs an air supply operation or an air discharge operation.
- the air supply operation is an operation where outdoor air is taken into the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 and supplied to the indoor unit 302 from the air supply and discharge hose 307 .
- the air discharge operation is an operation where the radial fan assembly 343 of the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 causes air inside the air supply and discharge hose 307 to be taken in—that is, where the radial fan assembly 343 causes room air to be taken into the air supply and discharge hose 307 via the indoor unit 302 —and causes that air to be discharged from the radial fan assembly 343 to the outside of the outdoor unit 303 .
- the flows of air in the air supply operation and in the air discharge operation are as in the description of the first state and the second state that was mentioned together with the detailed configuration of the switching damper 344 .
- the switching damper 344 is switched to the first state such that the outdoor air passes through the air supply and discharge hose 307 and is supplied to the indoor unit 302 .
- the switching damper 344 is switched to the second state, and the air passing from the indoor unit 302 through the air supply and discharge hose 307 passes from the air outlet in the radial fan assembly 343 through the casing side portion opening in the switching damper 344 and is discharged to the outside of the machine.
- the adsorption-use fan 346 and the rotor drive motor 347 of the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 are not activated, but just the radial fan is rotated.
- the air supply operation can be selected.
- the control unit switches the switching damper 344 to the third state, which is different from the first state and the second state. In the third state, the inside and the outside are not communicated.
- the air supply and exhaust pipe 307 is molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp. For this reason, the air conditioner 301 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed.
- the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 (including the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a , the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b , the air supply and discharge opening 340 c , and the support shaft 340 d ), the top plate 366 , the adsorption-use fan 346 , the rotor drive gear 348 , the radial fan, the switching damper 344 , the air supply and discharge duct 361 , the adsorption-side duct 345 , and the adsorption-side bellmouth 363 , which are members configuring the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 , are molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed.
- the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by sunlight or the ultraviolet lamp 60 . For this reason, the air conditioner 301 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed.
- the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 and the heater cover 342 a are coated with titanium apatite. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by the ultraviolet lamp 60 . For this reason, the air conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed.
- the cross flow fan 312 and the casing and the like which are members configuring the indoor unit 302 , are molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp. For this reason, the air conditioner 301 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed.
- titanium apatite is coated on the indoor heat exchanger 311 . Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by the ultraviolet lamp 60 . For this reason, the air conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed.
- titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded bodies 307 , 340 , 340 a , 340 b , 340 c , 340 d , 344 , 345 , 346 , 348 , 361 , 363 , and 366 .
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has often been coated.
- titanium apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is distributed in the resin molded bodies. For this reason, it is not necessary to add manufacturing steps after the resin molding step. Consequently, the manufacturing cost can be kept as low as possible.
- titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded bodies 307 , 340 , 340 a , 340 b , 340 c , 340 d , 344 , 345 , 346 , 348 , 361 , 363 , and 366 .
- an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide erodes resin when it is active, so that a special binder has been necessary when the optical semiconductor catalyst is distributed in the resin.
- titanium apatite hardly erodes resin when it is active despite the fact that it exhibits higher decomposing capability than titanium dioxide with respect to bacteria, viruses and the like. For this reason, a special binder is not necessary. Consequently, a resin molded body that includes a cleaning function can be manufactured at a low cost.
- the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 340 , 366 , 346 , 348 , 344 , 361 , 345 , and 363 were substantially smooth, but the resin molded bodies 340 , 366 , 346 , 348 , 344 , 361 , 345 , and 363 may also be surface-roughened. By doing so, more titanium apatite can be disposed on the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 340 , 366 , 346 , 348 , 344 , 361 , 345 , and 363 .
- titanium apatite was distributed in the resin molded bodies such as the air supply and discharge tube 307 , and the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 (including the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a , the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b , the air supply and discharge opening 340 c , and the support shaft 340 d ), the top plate 366 , the adsorption-use fan 346 , the rotor drive gear 348 , the radial fan, the switching damper 344 , the air supply and discharge duct 361 , the adsorption-side duct 345 , and the adsorption-side bellmouth 363 , which are members configuring the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 , and the cross flow fan 312 and the casing and the like, which are members configuring the indoor unit 302 , but titanium apatite may also be coated on these resin molded bodies.
- the surfaces of the resin molded bodies may also be roughened.
- more titanium apatite can be disposed on the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 340 , 366 , 346 , 348 , 344 , 361 , 345 , and 363 .
- a mixture of titanium apatite and a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst may also be coated on the resin molded bodies 340 , 366 , 346 , 348 , 344 , 361 , 345 , and 363 .
- sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp was employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite, but an LED or the like may also be employed as the light source instead of this.
- titanium apatite was distributed in the resin molded bodies of the air conditioner 301 having a humidifying function, but titanium apatite may also be distributed in resin molded bodies of an air conditioner having an oxygen enrichment function (e.g., an oxygen-enriched air supply hose, etc.).
- an oxygen enrichment function e.g., an oxygen-enriched air supply hose, etc.
- the air conditioner pertaining to the present invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst, and can also be applied for uses such as an air purifier for which self cleaning is necessary in order to prevent secondary infection.
Abstract
An air conditioner that can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with efficiency is provided. The air conditioner includes a resin part and an apatite having a photocatalytic function. The resin part forms an air distribution path. The apatite is disposed on at least part of the resin part.
Description
- The present invention relates to an air conditioner for conditioning air.
- Conventionally, there has been technology where an optical semiconductor catalyst layer is disposed on the surfaces of an air inlet, an air filter, a heat exchanger, a scroll, a fan, an air outlet and the like of an indoor unit of an air conditioner to decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, inside the indoor unit (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
- <
Patent Document 1>JP-A No. 9-196399 - <Problem that the Invention is to Solve>
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than has conventionally been the case.
- <Means for Solving the Problem>
- An air conditioner pertaining to a first invention comprises a resin part and an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function. The resin part configures an air distribution path. It will be noted that, in the “air conditioner” referred to here, an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an oxygen enrichment device, a total heat exchanger, and an air duct system and the like are included. Further, the air distribution path is a path for distributing air into a room. Further, the “resin part” referred to here is, for example, a scroll part, a flap, a humidified air supply hose, an oxygen-enriched air supply hose, an air supply pipe and an air discharge pipe of a total heat exchanger, an air duct and the like. Additionally, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part. It will be noted that the “apatite that includes a photocatalytic function” referred to here is, for example, an apatite where some of the calcium atoms in calcium hydroxyapatite have been substituted with titanium atoms by a method such as ion exchange. Further, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function may be distributed in the resin part or coated on the resin surface.
- Ordinarily, an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like. In contrast, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- Here, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part. For this reason, this air conditioner can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a second invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the first invention, further comprising an impeller. The impeller is a member for supplying the air into the room. The resin part is a scroll part. The scroll part causes a flow of the air generated as a result of the impeller rotating to converge.
- Here, the resin part is a scroll part. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the scroll part can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a third invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the first invention or the second invention, wherein the resin part is a flap. The flap adjusts the flow direction of the air into the room.
- Here, the resin part is a flap. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the flap can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a fourth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the first invention to the third invention, further comprising a humidifying unit and an indoor unit. The humidifying unit humidifies the air. The indoor unit is disposed in the room. Additionally, the air distribution path is a humidified air distribution path. The humidified air distribution path is a distribution path for supplying, to the indoor unit, the air that has been humidified by the humidifying unit.
- Here, the resin part configures a humidified air distribution path. In other words, the “resin part” referred to here is a humidifying hose, a humidifying duct and the like. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the humidifying hose, the humidifying duct and the like can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a fifth invention comprises a resin part and an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function. The resin part is disposed in an air distribution path. The air distribution path is a path for distributing air into a room. Further, the “resin part” referred to here is, for example, a fan, a drain pan, configural parts of a humidifying unit and the like. Additionally, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part.
- Ordinarily, an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like. In contrast, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- Here, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin part. For this reason, this air conditioner can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a sixth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the fifth invention, wherein the resin part is an impeller. It will be noted that the impeller is a member for supplying the air into the room.
- Here, the resin part is an impeller. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the impeller can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a seventh invention is the air conditioner pertaining to the fifth invention or the sixth invention, further comprising a cooling part. The cooling part is a member for cooling the air. It will be noted that the “cooling part” referred to here is a heat exchanger (evaporator) or the like. Additionally, the resin part is a drain pan. The drain pan receives water condensed by the cooling part.
- Here, the resin part is a drain pan. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the drain pan can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to an eighth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the fifth invention to the seventh invention, wherein the resin part is a humidifying unit. The humidifying unit humidifies the air.
- Here, the resin part is a humidifying unit. For this reason, in this air conditioner, the humidifying unit can be kept clean.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a ninth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the first invention to the eighth invention, wherein the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is distributed in the resin part.
- Here, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is distributed in the resin part. For this reason, a resin part that includes a cleaning function can be manufactured hardly without changing the manufacturing method of the resin part. Further, an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide erodes resin when it is active, so that a special binder has been necessary when the optical semiconductor catalyst is distributed in the resin, but the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function hardly erodes resin when it is active despite the fact that it exhibits greater decomposing capability than titanium dioxide with respect to bacteria, viruses and the like. For this reason, a special binder is not necessary. Consequently, a resin part that includes a cleaning function can be manufactured at a lower cost.
- An air conditioner pertaining to a tenth invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the first invention to the ninth invention, wherein the portion of the resin part where the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed is surface-roughened.
- Here, the portion of the resin part where the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed is surface-roughened. For this reason, more of the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function can be disposed on the surface of the resin part. Consequently, this air conditioner can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with even greater efficiency.
- An air distribution path forming member pertaining to an eleventh invention is an air distribution path forming member that forms an air distribution path for distributing air into a room, wherein the air distribution path forming member is molded from resin. It will be noted that the “air distribution path forming member” referred to here is, for example, a humidified air supply hose, an oxygen-enriched air supply hose, an air supply pipe and an air discharge pipe of a total heat exchanger, an air duct and the like. Additionally, the air distribution path forming member comprises an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function. It will be noted that the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed so as to contact the air flowing in the air distribution path. Further, the “apatite that includes a photocatalytic function” referred to here is, for example, an apatite where some of the calcium atoms in calcium hydroxyapatite have been substituted with titanium atoms by a method such as ion exchange. Further, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function may be distributed in the air distribution path forming member itself or coated on the inner surface of the air distribution path forming member.
- Ordinarily, an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like. In contrast, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- Here, the air distribution path forming member is molded from resin. Additionally, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed so as to contact the air flowing in the air distribution path. For this reason, this air distribution path forming member can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- An air distribution path forming member pertaining to a twelfth invention is an air distribution path forming member that forms an air distribution path for distributing air into a room, the air distribution path forming member comprising a resin layer and an apatite that includes a photocatalytic function. The resin layer is disposed so as to cover at least part of the air distribution path. The apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin layer.
- Ordinarily, an optical semiconductor catalyst such as titanium dioxide has poor capability to actively trap bacteria, viruses and the like. In contrast, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function powerfully adsorbs bacteria, viruses and the like such that it can inhibit or control their growth. Additionally, when the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength range such as ultraviolet light, those bacteria, viruses and the like are decomposed and removed.
- Here, the resin layer is disposed so as to cover at least part of the air distribution path. Additionally, the apatite that includes a photocatalytic function is disposed on at least part of the resin layer. For this reason, this air distribution path forming member can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- <Effects of the Invention>
- The air conditioner pertaining to the first invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- In the air conditioner pertaining to the second invention, the scroll part can be kept clean.
- In the air conditioner pertaining to the third invention, the flap can be kept clean.
- In the air conditioner pertaining to the fourth invention, the humidifying hose and the humidifying duct can be kept clean.
- The air conditioner pertaining to the fifth invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- In the air conditioner pertaining to the sixth invention, the impeller can be kept clean.
- In the air conditioner pertaining to the seventh invention, the drain pan can be kept clean.
- In the air conditioner pertaining to the eighth invention, the humidifying unit can be kept clean.
- In the air conditioner pertaining to the ninth invention, a resin part that includes a cleaning function can be manufactured hardly without changing the manufacturing method of the resin part.
- The air conditioner pertaining to the tenth invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with even greater efficiency.
- The air distribution path forming member pertaining to the eleventh invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
- The air distribution path forming member pertaining to the twelfth invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air distribution path forming member that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst.
-
FIG. 1 is an external view of an air conditioner pertaining to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a refrigerant system of the air conditioner pertaining to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit pertaining to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing part of the configuration of an indoor unit casing pertaining to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is an external view of an air conditioner pertaining to a second embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a diagram of a refrigerant system of the air conditioner pertaining to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner pertaining to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a comparative diagram of the photocatalytic activities of titanium dioxide and titanium apatite. -
FIG. 9 is a comparative diagram of resin erosivity of titanium dioxide and titanium apatite. - <Description of the Reference Numerals>
1, 301 Air Conditioners 21 Cross Flow Fan 24 Scroll (Scroll Part) 29 Drain Pan 251 Inlet 252 Outlet 253 Flap 304 Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit (Humidifying Unit) 307 Air Supply and Discharge Pipe (Humidified Air Distribution Path) - <Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner>
- The exterior of an
air conditioner 1 pertaining to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1 . - The
air conditioner 1 is disposed with a wall-mounted typeindoor unit 2, which is attached to the surface of a wall in a room, and anoutdoor unit 3, which is disposed outside the room. - An indoor heat exchanger is housed inside the
indoor unit 2, an outdoor heat exchanger is housed inside theoutdoor unit 3, and the heat exchangers are connected by arefrigerant pipe 4 to configure a refrigerant circuit. - <Outline of the Configuration of the Refrigerant Circuit of the Air Conditioner>
- The configuration of the refrigerant circuit of the
air conditioner 1 is shown inFIG. 2 . The refrigerant circuit is mainly configured by anindoor heat exchanger 20, anaccumulator 31, acompressor 32, a four-way switch valve 33, anoutdoor heat exchanger 30, and an electricallypowered expansion valve 34. - The
indoor heat exchanger 20 disposed in theindoor unit 2 performs heat exchange with air coming into contact therewith. Further, across flow fan 21 for taking in room air, passing the room air through theindoor heat exchanger 20, and discharging, into the room, air after heat exchange has been performed is disposed in theindoor unit 2. Thecross flow fin 21 is configured in a circular cylinder shape, with blades being disposed on its peripheral surface in its rotational axis direction, and creates an airflow in a direction intersecting its rotational axis. The cross flowfan 21 is driven to rotate by anindoor fan motor 22 disposed inside theindoor unit 2. The detailed configuration of theindoor unit 2 will be described later. - The
compressor 32, the four-way switch valve 33 connected to the discharge side of thecompressor 32, theaccumulator 31 connected to the intake side of thecompressor 32, theoutdoor heat exchanger 30 connected to the four-way switch valve 33, and the electricallypowered expansion valve 34 connected to theoutdoor heat exchanger 30 are disposed in theoutdoor unit 3. The electricallypowered expansion valve 34 is connected to apipe 41 via afilter 35 and aliquid shutoff valve 36, and is connected to one end of theindoor heat exchanger 20 via thispipe 41. Further, the four-way switch valve 33 is connected to apipe 42 via agas shutoff valve 37, and is connected to the other end of theindoor heat exchanger 20 via thispipe 42. Thepipes refrigerant pipe 4 inFIG. 1 . Further, apropeller fan 38 for discharging air after heat exchange in theoutdoor heat exchanger 30 to the outside is disposed in theoutdoor unit 3. Thepropeller fan 38 is driven to rotate by afan motor 39. - <Configuration of the Indoor Unit>
- A side sectional view of the
indoor unit 2 is shown inFIG. 3 . - The
indoor unit 2 is disposed with the aforementionedcross flow fan 21 and theindoor heat exchanger 20 and the like and an indoor unit casing 23 a that houses these. - The cross flow
fan 21 is driven to rotate about a central axis by theindoor fan motor 22 to create an airflow where air is taken in from aninlet 251, passed through theindoor heat exchanger 20, and blown into the room from anoutlet 252. The cross flowfan 21 is positioned in the substantial center of theindoor unit 2 when seen in side view. - The
indoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed so as to surround the front, the top, and the top of the rear portion of thecross flow fan 21. Air taken in from theinlet 251 by the driving of thecross flow fan 21 passes toward thecross flow fan 21. Heat exchange is performed between the air and refrigerant passing through a heat exchange tube of theindoor heat exchanger 20. Theindoor heat exchanger 20 has a substantially inverted “V” cross-sectional shape when seen in side view. It will be noted that drain pans 29 a and 29 b are disposed in the lower portion of theindoor heat exchanger 20. The drain pans 29 a and 29 b play a receiving role such that dew forming on the surface of theindoor heat exchanger 20 during cooling does not fall into the room. - (Configuration of the
Indoor Unit Casing 23 a) - The indoor unit casing 23 a is mainly configured by a
scroll 24, afront grill 25 a, and afront panel 26 a. - The
scroll 24 configures the rear side of theindoor unit 2 and covers the rear of theindoor heat exchanger 20 and thecross flow fan 21. - The
front grill 25 a is formed so as to cover the top, the sides, and the bottom of theindoor unit 2, and thefront panel 26 a is attached to the front portion of thefront grill 25 a (seeFIG. 3 andFIG. 4 ). Theinlet 251, which comprises plural slit-shaped openings, is disposed in the top of thefront grill 25 a. Theinlet 251 is disposed across substantially the entire top of thefront grill 25 a. Theoutlet 252, which comprises an opening along the longitudinal direction of theindoor unit 2, is disposed in the front of the underside of thefront grill 25 a. Further, ahorizontal flap 253, along which air blown into the room is guided, is disposed in theoutlet 252. Thehorizontal flap 253 is disposed so as to freely rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of theindoor unit 2. Thehorizontal flap 253 rotates by a flap motor (not shown) such that it can open and close theoutlet 252. - The
front panel 26 a is disposed on the front of theindoor unit 2. Thefront panel 26 a is formed separately from thefront grill 25 a and is attached so as to cover the front of thefront grill 25 a. The front side of thefront grill 25 a is configured by two surfaces that are divided into one above and one below by a step disposed horizontally, and each of the surfaces is formed substantially flatly and is a smooth surface in which there is no unevenness or openings such as holes or slits. Further, the step portion is a planar opening, and the room air is also taken in from this opening (see the white arrow Al inFIG. 3 ). - As shown in
FIG. 4 , anopening 254 is disposed in the front of thefront grill 25 a. Various kinds offilters front grill 25 a and thefront panel 26 a, whereby theopening 254 is covered by thefilters filters air purifying filter 51, and aphotocatalytic filter 52. - The pre-filter 50 can remove dirt and dust from the passing air. The pre-filter 50 is disposed so as to cover the front and top of the
front grill 25 a. The portion of the pre-filter 50 positioned on the top of thefront grill 25 a is positioned just inside thetop inlet 251. - The
air purifying filter 51 is disposed on the front upper portion of thefront grill 25 a and at the inner side of the pre-filter 50. Theair purifying filter 51 can remove fine dust, cigarette smoke, pollen and the like from the passing air more than the pre-filter 50. - The
photocatalytic filter 52 is disposed on the front lower portion of thefront grill 25 a and can remove odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like from the passing air. The odorous components are, for example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, and are components that cause malodors arising from cigarettes, food scraps, and construction materials. The poisonous gases are poisonous components included in exhaust gases of cars and the like, such as NO2 and SOx. Thephotocatalytic filter 52 is formed in a sheet shape that has a honeycomb structure, and mainly includes titanium apatite. It will be noted that this titanium apatite is an apatite where some of the calcium atoms in calcium hydroxyapatite have been substituted with titanium atoms by a method such as ion exchange and the like. Additionally, this titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. Moreover, this titanium apatite includes a photocatalytic function, exhibits powerful oxidizing power by light, and can decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. - <Self-Cleaning Function of the Air Conditioner>
- The cross flow
fan 21, thefront grill 25 a (including theinlet 251, theoutlet 252, thescroll 24, and the drain pans 29 a and 29 b), thefront panel 26 a, and theflap 253, which are members configuring theindoor unit 2 of theair conditioner 1, are resin molded bodies, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin. It will be noted that the surfaces of the resin moldedbodies indoor heat exchanger 20 is a metal body made of aluminium or the like, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface. - As mentioned above, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. Additionally, these titanium apatites exhibit powerful oxidizing power and can decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by outside light and an ultraviolet lamp 60 (see
FIG. 3 ) disposed between theindoor heat exchanger 20 and thecross flow fan 21. It will be noted that the titanium apatite presents in theinlet 251, theoutlet 252, and the outer surfaces of thescroll 24, theflap 253 and thefront panel 26 a, and is activated mainly by outside light. - <Performance of Titanium Apatite with Respect to Bacteria and Viruses>
- The inactivation rates of viruses, bacteria, and toxins by titanium apatite are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1 Testing Organization and Test Subject Inactivation Rate Registration Number Influenza Virus greater than 99.99% Japan Food Research Laboratories No. 203052102 Test Escherichia greater than 99.99% Japan Food Research Bacteria coli (0-157) Laboratories No. 203030567-001 Staphylococcus greater than 99.99% Japan Food Research aureus Laboratories No. 203030567-001 Cladosporium greater than 99.99% Japan Food Research cladosporioides Laboratories No. 203030567-001 Toxin Enterotoxin greater than 99.99% Japan Food Research Laboratories No.203050715-001 - It will be noted that these inactivation rates were measured at the foundation Japan Food Research Laboratories by the method described below.
- 1. Inactivation Rate of Influenza Virus
- (1) Test Summary
- An influenza virus suspension was delivered by drops into filters (about 30 mm×30 mm) coated with titanium apatite, stored at room temperature under dark conditions (shielded from light) and bright conditions (irradiation with black light (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm)), and the viral infectivity after 24 hours was measured.
- (2) Calculation of Inactivation Rate
- Inactivation Rate=100×(1−10B/10A)
-
- A: Viral infectivity immediately after inoculation
- B: Viral infectivity after irradiation with light for 24 hours
(3) Test Method - A. Test Virus: influenza virus A (H1N1)
- B. Cells Used: MDCK (NBL-2) cells ATCC CCL-34 strain (Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)
- C. Mediums Used
- a) Cell Growth Medium
- A medium obtained by adding 10% newborn calf serum to Eagle MEM (including 0.06 mg/ml kanamycin) was used.
-
-
- b) Cell Maintenance Medium
-
- A medium having the following composition was used.
Eagle MEM 1,000 mL 10 % NaHCO 324 to 44 mL L-glutamine (30 g/L) 9.8 mL 100 × MEM vitamin solution 30 mL 10 % albumin 20 mL Trypsin (5 mg/mL) 2 mL -
- D. Preparation of Virus Suspension
- a) Cell Culture
- D. Preparation of Virus Suspension
- The cell growth medium was used to grow the MDCK cells in monolayer culture inside a tissue culture flask.
-
-
- b) Virus Inoculation
-
- After the cells were grown in monolayer culture, the cell growth medium was removed from the inside of the flask and the cells were inoculated with the test virus. Next, the cell maintenance medium was added and the cells were incubated for 2 to 5 days inside a 37° C. carbon dioxide incubator (CO2 concentration: 5%).
-
-
- c) Preparation of Virus Suspension
-
- After the cells were incubated, an inverted phase contrast microscope was used to observe the shapes of the cells, and it was confirmed that morphological changes (cytopathogenic effect) occurred in 80% or more of the cells. Next, the culture fluid was centrifugally separated (3,000 r/min., for 10 minutes) and the obtained supernatant fluid was used for the virus suspension.
-
- E. Preparation of Sample
- The filter (about 30 mm×30 mm) was air-dried for 1 hour after moist heat sterilization (121° C., for 15 minutes), placed in a plastic Petri dish, and irradiated with black light (black light blue, FL20S BL-
B 20W, 2 in parallel) for 12 hours or more to obtain the sample. -
- F. Test Operation
- 0.2 mL of the virus suspension was delivered by drops to the samples. These were stored at room temperature under shielding from light and irradiation with black light (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm). Further, polyethylene film was used as a comparative sample and tested in the same manner.
-
- G Washout of Virus
- After being stored for 24 hours, the virus suspension in the specimen was washed out with 2 mL of the cell maintenance medium.
-
- H. Measurement of Viral Infectivity
- The cell growth medium was used to grow the MDCK cells in monolayer culture inside a tissue culture microplate (96 holes), and thereafter the cell growth medium was removed and 0.1 mL each of a cell maintenance medium was added. Next, 4 holes each were inoculated with washout fluid and 0.1 mL diluted fluid thereof, and the cells were incubated for 4 to 7 days inside a 37° C. carbon oxide incubator (CO2 concentration: 5%). After the cells were incubated, an inverted phase contrast microscope was used to observe whether or not there were morphological changes in the cells, and a 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) was calculated by the Reed-Muench method and converted to viral infectivity per 1 mL of the washout fluid.
- 2. Inactivation Rates of Escherichia coli (0-157), Staphylococcus aureus, and Cladosporium cladosporioides
- (1) Test Summary
- Microbial tests of filters were performed based on the Society of Industrial Antimicrobial Articles' test method “Industrial Antimicrobial Article Antimicrobial Effect Evaluation Test III (2001 Version): Light Irradiation Film Contact Method” (hereinafter referred to as the “light irradiation film contact method (SIAA 2001 version)”).
- The test was implemented as follows.
- Bacteria liquids of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Cladosporium cladosporioides were delivered by drops to samples and low-density polyethylene films were placed thereon to contact the samples. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25° C.) under dark conditions (shielded from light) and bright conditions (irradiated with black light (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm)), and the viable counts after 24 hours were measured.
- (2) Test Method
- A. Test Strains
- Bacteria:
-
- Escherichia coli IFO 3972
- Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus IFO 12732
- Fungus:
-
- Cladosporium cladosporioides IFO 6348
- B. Test Mediums
-
- NA medium: ordinary agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.)
- 1/500 NB medium: a medium where ordinary bouillon (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) to which 0.2% meat extract had been added was diluted 500-fold by a phosphate buffer solution to prepare the pH to 7.0±0.2
- SCDLP medium: SCDLP medium (Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)
- SA medium: standard agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.)
- PDA medium: potato dextrose agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.)
- C. Preparation of Bacteria Liquids
-
- Bacteria:
- A bacterial body obtained by again inoculating the NA medium with the test strain that had been preincubated at 35° C. for 16 to 24 hours in the NA medium and which was incubated at 35° C. for 16 to 20 hours was uniformly dispersed in the 1/500 NB medium and prepared such that the bacterial count per 1 mL became 2.5×105 to 1.0×106.
-
- Fungus:
- After being preincubated at 25° C. for 7 to 10 days in the PDA medium, spores (conidiospores) were suspended in a 0.005% sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate solution, filtered by a gauze, and prepared such that the spore number per 1 mL became 2.5×105 to 1.0×106.
- D. Preparation of Samples
- Filters (about 50 mm×50 mm) were air-dried for 1 hour after moist heat sterilization (121° C., for 15 minutes), placed in plastic Petri dishes, and irradiated with black light (black light blue, FL20S BL-
B 20W, 2 in parallel) for 12 hours or more to obtain the samples. - E. Test Operation
- 0.4 mL of the bacteria liquid was delivered in drops to the samples, low-density polyethylene films (40 mm×40 mm) were placed thereon to contact the samples. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25° C.) under shielding from light and irradiation with black light (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm). Further, a polyethylene film was used as comparative sample and tested in the same manner.
- F. Measurement of Viable Count
- Surviving bacteria were washed out from the samples by the SCDLP medium after storage for 24 hours, the number of viable bacteria in the washout fluid was measured by the pour plate culture method using the SA medium (incubated for 2 days at 35° C.) for the bacteria and the PDA medium (incubated for 7 days at 25° C.) for the fungus and converted per sample. Further, measurement immediately after inoculation was performed in a comparative sample.
- 3. Inactivation Rate of Enterotoxin
- (1) Test Summary
- Samples were inoculated with staphylococcal enterotoxin A (hereinafter abbreviated as “SET-A”) and stored at room temperature (20 to 25° C.) under dark conditions (shielded from light) and bright conditions (irradiated with ultraviolet light with a strength of about 1 mW/cm2), and the SET-A density after 24 hours was measured and the decomposition rate was calculated.
- (2) Test Method
- A. Preparation of Standard Stock Solution
- SET-A standard (Toxin Technology) was dissolved in 1% sodium chloride including 0.5% bovine serum albumin to prepare a 5 μm/mL standard stock solution.
- B. Standard Solution for Calibration Curve
- The standard stock solution was diluted in a buffer solution accompanying VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) to prepare 0.2, 0.5, and 1 ng/mL standard solutions.
- C. Preparation of Samples
- Filters were cut to a size of 50 mm×50 mm and irradiated with a black light for 24 hours from a distance of about 1 cm to obtain the samples.
- D. Test Operation
- The samples were placed in plastic Petri dishes and inoculated with 0.4 mL of the SET-A standard stock solution. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25° C.) under shielding from light and irradiation with ultraviolet light having a strength of about 1 mW/cm2 (black light, FL20S BL-
B 20 W, 2 in parallel). - After storage for 24 hours, the SET-A was washed out from the sample with 10 mL of a buffer solution accompanying VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) to obtain sample solutions.
- A plastic Petri dish in which no sample was placed was inoculated with 0.4 mL of SET-A standard stock solution and 10 mL of a buffer solution accompanying VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) was immediately added to obtain a reference.
- E. Creation of Calibration Curve
- The standard solution for calibration curve was measured by the ELISA method using VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux) to create a calibration curve from the concentration and fluorescence intensity of the standard solution.
- F. Measurement of SET-A Density and Calculation of Decomposition Rate
- The fluorescence intensity of the sample solutions was measured by the ELISA method using VIDAX Staph enterotoxin (SET) (bioMerieux), the SET-A density was determined from the calibration curve created in E., and the decomposition rate was calculated by the following expression.
- Decomposition rate (%)=(measured value of reference−measured value of sample solution)/measured value of comparison×100
- <Characteristics of the Air Conditioner>
- (1)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, thecross flow fan 21, thefront grill 25 a (including theinlet 251, theoutlet 252, thescroll 24, and the drain pans 29 a and 29 b), thefront panel 26 a, and theflap 253 are molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by outside light and theultraviolet lamp 60. For this reason, theair conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed. - (2)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, titanium apatite is coated on theindoor heat exchanger 20. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by outside light and theultraviolet lamp 60. For this reason, theair conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed. - (3)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, titanium apatite is distributed in the resin moldedbodies - (4)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, titanium apatite is distributed in the resin moldedbodies FIG. 8 , titanium apatite exhibits decomposition performance that is superior to that of conventional anatase type titanium dioxide with respect to acetaldehyde. It will be noted that, in the graph ofFIG. 8 , the vertical axis represents carbon dioxide concentration and the horizontal axis represents time. In other words, decomposition performance is indirectly measured by measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide arising due to the decomposition of acetaldehyde. It will be noted that this measurement is performed matching the surface area of titanium apatite and the surface area of titanium dioxide. Further, as is apparent from the graph ofFIG. 8 , titanium apatite exhibits greater decomposition performance than titanium dioxide. Further, whereas titanium apatite continues to decompose acetaldehyde at a constant reaction speed even after 3 hours has elapsed, the decomposition capability of titanium dioxide becomes almost saturated when 3 hours elapses, and the difference between the decomposition capabilities of both becomes remarkable. For this reason, the air conditioner I can realize decomposition capability that is superior to that of an air conditioner using conventional anatase type titanium dioxide with respect to bacteria, viruses and the like. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 9 , whereas anatase type titanium dioxide erodes not only bacteria and viruses but also the base material (urethane resin) that carries the anatase type titanium dioxide, titanium apatite hardly erodes the base material. For this reason, titanium apatite does not require the expensive special binder that has been used when conventional anatase type titanium dioxide is carried in organic matter. Consequently, when titanium apatite is used, not only can superior decomposition capability be provided with respect to bacteria, viruses and the like, but fiber that includes a photocatalytic function can be manufactured at a low cost. - <Modifications>
- (A)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, the surfaces of the resin moldedbodies bodies bodies - (B)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, titanium apatite was distributed in the resin molded bodies such as thecross flow fan 21, thefront grill 25 a (including theinlet 251, theoutlet 252, thescroll 24, and the drain pans 29 a and 29 b), thefront panel 26 a, and theflap 253, but titanium apatite may also be coated on those resin molded bodies. In this case, the surfaces of the resin moldedbodies bodies bodies - (C)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, theultraviolet lamp 60 was employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite, but an LED or the like may also be employed as a light source instead of this. Because an LED is less expensive than theultraviolet lamp 60, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. - (D)
- In the
air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment, an ultraviolet lamp was employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite, but a plasma generator (e.g., a glow discharge device, a barrier discharge device, and a streamer discharge device, etc.) may also be employed instead of this. When plasma is generated, ultraviolet light is created in the same manner, and consequently the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite can be activated by that ultraviolet light. Further, when plasma is generated, radical species of high-speed electrons, ions, ozone and hydroxy radicals, and active species of other excited molecules (excited oxygen molecules, excited nitrogen molecules, excited water molecules) are created, so that odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like can be even more efficiently decomposed and detoxified. - (E)
- In the first embodiment, titanium apatite was distributed in the
cross flow fan 21, thefront grill 25 a, thefront panel 26 a, and theflap 253, but the targets in which titanium apatite is distributed are not limited to the configural parts of theindoor unit 2 of theair conditioner 1 as described above. For example, when an air supply pipe and an air discharge pipe of a total heat exchanger, or an air duct and the like of an air duct system, are molded from resin, titanium apatite may be distributed in these. - <Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner>
- The exterior of an
air conditioner 301 pertaining to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 5 . - The
air conditioner 301 is configured by anindoor unit 302, which is attached to the surface of a wall or the like in a room, and anoutdoor unit 303, which is disposed outside the room. Theoutdoor unit 303 is disposed with an outdoorair conditioning unit 305, which houses an outdoor heat exchanger and a propeller fan and the like, and a humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304. An indoor heat exchanger is housed inside theindoor unit 302, and an outdoor heat exchanger is housed inside theoutdoor unit 303. Additionally, the heat exchangers andrefrigerant pipes 331 and 332 (seeFIG. 6 ) that connect these heat exchangers configure a refrigerant circuit. Further, an air supply anddischarge pipe 307 that is used when supplying outdoor air and humidified air from the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 to theindoor unit 302 and when discharging the room air to the outside is disposed between theoutdoor unit 303 and theindoor unit 302. - <Configuration of the Refrigerant Circuit>
-
FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the outlines of the flows of air have been added to a system diagram of the refrigerant circuit used in theair conditioner 301. - An
indoor heat exchanger 311 is disposed in theindoor unit 302. Theindoor heat exchanger 311 comprises a heat exchange pipe that is folded back plural times at both length-direction ends and plural fins through which the heat exchange pipe is inserted, and performs heat exchange with air coming into contact therewith. - Further, a
cross flow fan 312 and anindoor fan motor 313 that drives thecross flow fan 312 to rotate are disposed inside theindoor unit 302. Thecross flow fan 312 is configured in a circular cylinder shape, with numerous blades being disposed on its peripheral surface, and creates an airflow in a direction intersecting its rotational axis. Thecross flow fan 312 causes room air to be taken into theindoor unit 302, and causes air after heat exchange has been performed with theindoor heat exchanger 311 to be blown into the room. - A
compressor 321, a four-way switch valve 322 connected to the discharge side of thecompressor 321, anaccumulator 323 connected to the intake side of thecompressor 321, anoutdoor heat exchanger 324 connected to the four-way switch valve 322, and an electricallypowered valve 325 connected to theoutdoor heat exchanger 324 are disposed in the outdoorair conditioning unit 305. The electricallypowered valve 325 is connected to arefrigerant pipe 332 via afilter 326 and aliquid shutoff valve 327, and is connected to one end of theindoor heat exchanger 311 via thisrefrigerant pipe 332. Further, the four-way switch valve 322 is connected to arefrigerant pipe 331 via agas shutoff valve 328, and is connected to the other end of theindoor heat exchanger 311 via thisrefrigerant pipe 331. Theserefrigerant pipes refrigerant pipe 306 shown inFIG. 5 . - Further, a
propeller fan 329 for discharging, to the outside, air after heat exchange by theoutdoor heat exchanger 324 is disposed inside the outdoorair conditioning unit 305. Thepropeller fan 329 is driven to rotate by anoutdoor fan motor 330. - <Configuration of the Outdoor Unit>
- As shown in
FIG. 5 , theoutdoor unit 303 is configured as a result of the lower outdoorair conditioning unit 305 and the upper humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 being integrated. - First, the configuration of the outdoor
air conditioning unit 305 will be described on the basis ofFIG. 7 . - (Configuration Pertaining to the Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit)
- The outdoor
air conditioning unit 305 is configured by casing members such as afront panel 351,side plates metal bottom plate 354, and by refrigerant circuit configural parts housed therein. - The
front panel 351 is a resin member that covers the front of the outdoorair conditioning unit 305, and is disposed downstream of the air passing through theoutdoor heat exchanger 324 with respect to theoutdoor heat exchanger 324. An outdoor airconditioning unit outlet 351 a comprising plural slit-shaped openings is disposed in thefront panel 351, and the air passing through theoutdoor heat exchanger 324 passes through the outdoor airconditioning unit outlet 351 a from the inside of the outdoorair conditioning unit 305 and is blown to the outside of theoutdoor unit 303. Further, afan outlet member 356 and apartition plate 357 are attached to the rear of thefront panel 351. - The
side plates right side plate 352 and aleft side plate 353, which are metal members that cover the side of the outdoorair conditioning unit 305. Here, theright side plate 353 is disposed on the right side and theleft side plate 353 is disposed on the left side when theoutdoor unit 303 is seen from the front. It will be noted that theside plates outdoor heat exchanger 324 and is blown out from the outdoor airconditioning unit outlet 351 a. Further, ashutoff valve cover 355 for protecting theliquid shutoff valve 327 and the gas shutoff valve 328 (seeFIG. 6 ) is attached to theright side plate 352. - The refrigerant circuit configural parts are the
outdoor heat exchanger 324, thecompressor 321, theaccumulator 323, the four-way switch valve 322, and the electrically powered valve 325 (seeFIG. 6 ) and the like. - The
outdoor heat exchanger 324 has a substantial “L” shape when seen in plan view and is disposed in front of the protective metal screen covering the rear of the outdoorair conditioning unit 305. - The
outdoor fan motor 330 and thepropeller fan 329 are disposed in an aeration space between thepartition plate 357 and theleft side plate 353 and in front of theoutdoor heat exchanger 324. Theoutdoor fan motor 330 causes thepropeller fan 329 to rotate. Thepropeller fan 329 causes the air taken into the outdoorair conditioning unit 305 to contact theoutdoor heat exchanger 324 and to be discharged to the front of thefront panel 351 from the outdoor airconditioning unit outlet 351 a. - Other refrigerant circuit configural parts such as the
compressor 321, theaccumulator 323, the four-way switch valve 322, and the electricallypowered valve 325 are disposed in a machine chamber between thepartition plate 357 and theright side plate 352. - Further, an
electrical components unit 358 is attached to the top portion of the outdoorair conditioning unit 305. Theelectrical components unit 358 is configured by an electrical components box and a printed board on which circuit parts for controlling the respective units are mounted. Afireproof plate 359 is attached to the top of theelectrical components unit 358. - (Configuration of the Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit)
- Next, the configuration of the humidified air supply and
discharge unit 304 will be described mainly on the basis ofFIG. 7 . - A. Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit Casing
- The humidified air supply and
discharge unit 304 includes a humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340. The humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340 covers the front, the rear, and both sides of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304, and is disposed so as to contact the upper portion of the outdoorair conditioning unit 305. - An adsorption-
use air outlet 340 a comprising plural slit-shaped openings is disposed in the front side of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340, and air passes through this adsorption-use air outlet 340 a and is blown to the outside of theoutdoor unit 303. - Further, an adsorption-
use air inlet 340 b and an air supply and discharge opening 340 c are disposed side by side in the left-right direction in the rear side of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340. The adsorption-use air inlet 340 b is an opening through which passes air that is to be taken in from the outside in order to cause a moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 to adsorb moisture. The air supply and discharge opening 340 c is an opening through which passes air that is to be taken in so that the air can be sent to theindoor unit 302 or through which passes air that has been taken in from theindoor unit 302 and is to be discharged to the outside. - Further, the top portion of the humidified air supply and
discharge unit casing 340 is covered by atop plate 366. - The right side of the inside of the humidified air supply and
discharge unit casing 340 serves as a space for housing the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 and the like, and the left side of the inside of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340 serves as an adsorption-use fan housing space SPI for housing an adsorption-use fan 346 and the like. The moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341, aheater assembly 342, aradial fan assembly 343, a switchingdamper 344, an adsorption-side duct 345, and the adsorption-use fan 346 and the like are disposed inside the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340. - B. Moisture Adsorbing and Humidifying Rotor
- The moisture adsorbing and
humidifying rotor 341 is a honeycomb-structure ceramic rotor that is substantially discoid, and has a structure such that air can easily pass therethrough. The moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 is a rotor that has a circular shape when seen in plan view, and has a fine honeycomb shape in cross section cut by a horizontal plane. Additionally, air passes through numerous cylinder portions of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 whose cross sections are polygonal. - The principal portion of the moisture adsorbing and
humidifying rotor 341 is fired from an adsorbing agent such as zeolite, silica gel, or alumina. This adsorbing agent such as zeolite has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air that makes contact therewith and releasing water that has been adsorbed and included therein as a result of the adsorbing agent being heated. - The moisture adsorbing and
humidifying rotor 341 is rotatably supported via an unillustrated rotor guide on asupport shaft 340 d disposed in the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340. A gear is formed on the peripheral surface of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341, and this gear meshes with arotor drive gear 348 attached to a drive shaft of arotor drive motor 347. - C. Heater Assembly
- The
heater assembly 342 is configured by aheater cover 342 a and a heater body (not shown) housed therein, and heats air that is taken in from the outside and sent to the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341. Further, theheater assembly 342 is disposed so as to cover substantially half (the right side half) of the upper surface of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341. An inlet for taking in air and an outlet for discharging to the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 the air that has been heated by theheater assembly 342 are formed in the underside of theheater assembly 342. Theheater assembly 342 is attached to the top of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 via aheater support plate 349. - D. Radial Fan Assembly
- The
radial fan assembly 343 is disposed on the side of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341, and includes a radial fan (not shown) and a radial fan motor (not shown) that causes the radial fan to rotate. Further, theradial fan assembly 343 shares an upper lid (not shown) with the switchingdamper 344, and the upper lid closes the bottom side of theradial fan assembly 343. An air outlet and an air inlet are disposed in the upper lid. The air outlet is an opening through which passes air that is sent from theradial fan assembly 343 into the switchingdamper 344. The air inlet is an opening through which passes air sent from the inside of the switchingdamper 344 to theradial fan assembly 343. Theradial fan assembly 343 creates a flow of air from the air supply and discharge opening 340 c into the room via the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 and the switchingdamper 344, and sends air taken in from the outside to theindoor unit 302. Further, theradial fan assembly 343 can also discharge air that has been taken in from theindoor unit 302 to the outside. Theradial fan assembly 343 switches between these operations when the switchingdamper 344 is switched. - When the
radial fan assembly 343 sends to theindoor unit 302 air that has been taken in from the outside, it sends, to an air supply anddischarge duct 361 via the switchingdamper 344, air that has passed through the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 and fallen from the front portion of the substantially half portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341. The air supply anddischarge duct 361 is connected to the air supply and discharge pipe 307 (seeFIG. 5 ), and theradial fan assembly 343 supplies air to theindoor unit 302 via the air supply anddischarge duct 361 and the air supply anddischarge pipe 307. - When the
radial fan assembly 343 discharges to the outside the room air that has been taken in from theindoor unit 302, it discharges, to the outside from the air supply and discharge opening 340 c disposed in the rear side of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340, air that has been sent from the air supply anddischarge duct 361. - E. Switching Damper
- The switching
damper 344 is a rotary airflow path switching means disposed below theradial fan assembly 343, and switches between a first state, a second state, and a third state. - In the first state, the air blown out from the
radial fan assembly 343 passes through the air supply anddischarge pipe 307 via the air supply and discharge duct 316 and is supplied to theindoor unit 302. Thus, in the first state, the air flows in the direction of the arrow represented by the solid line arrow A2 inFIG. 6 , and humidified air or outdoor air passes through the air supply anddischarge pipe 307 and is supplied to theindoor unit 302. - In the second state, the air flows in the direction of the arrow represented by the dotted line arrow A3 in
FIG. 6 , and the air flowing from theindoor unit 302 through the air supply anddischarge pipe 307 and the air supply anddischarge duct 361 is discharged to the outside from theradial fan assembly 343 via the air supply and discharge opening 340 c. - In the third state, the path connecting the switching
damper 344 and the air supply anddischarge duct 361 is closed so that the flow of air between theoutdoor unit 303 and theindoor unit 302 is cut off. - F. Adsorption-Side Duct and Adsorption-Use Fan
- The adsorption-
side duct 345 covers the portion of the upper surface of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 where theheater assembly 342 is not positioned (the substantially half portion at the left side). Together with a later-described adsorption-side bellmouth 363, the adsorption-side duct 345 forms an airflow path from the upper surface of the portion at the left half of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 to the upper portion of the adsorption-use fan housing space SP I described below. - The adsorption-
use fan 346 housed in the adsorption-use fan housing space SPI is a centrifugal fan that rotates by an adsorption-use fan motor 365, and takes in air from anopen portion 363 a in the adsorption-side bellmouth 363 disposed in the upper portion to create an airflow flowing from the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b to theopen portion 363 a via the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341. Additionally, the adsorption-use fan 346 discharges, from the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a to the front of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340, dry air whose moisture has been adsorbed when the air passes through the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341. The adsorption-side bellmouth 363 is disposed in the upper portion of the adsorption-use fan housing space SP1 and plays the role of guiding, to the adsorption-use fan 346, the air passing through the airflow path formed by the adsorption-side duct 345. - <Self-Cleaning Function of the Air Conditioner>
- The air supply and
discharge pipe 307 is a resin molded body, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. It will be noted that part of the air supply anddischarge pipe 307 is transparent such that outside light shines into the inside. - The humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 (including the adsorption-
use air outlet 340 a, the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b, the air supply and discharge opening 340 c, and thesupport shaft 340 d), thetop plate 366, the adsorption-use fan 346, therotor drive gear 348, the radial fan, the switchingdamper 344, the air supply anddischarge duct 361, the adsorption-side duct 345, and the adsorption-side bellmouth 363, which are members configuring the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304, are resin molded bodies, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin. It will be noted that the surfaces of the resin moldedbodies humidifying rotor 341 is a ceramic body, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface. Further, theheater cover 342 a is a metal body made of aluminium or the like, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface. It will be noted that an unillustrated ultraviolet lamp is disposed in the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304. Further, the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 is configured such that outside light shines therein from the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a, the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b, and the air supply and discharge opening 340 c. - The
cross flow fan 312 and the casing and the like, which are members configuring theindoor unit 302 of theair conditioner 301, are resin molded bodies, and titanium apatite is distributed in the resin. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Further, theindoor heat exchanger 311 is a metal body made of aluminium or the like, and titanium apatite is coated on its surface. It will be noted that an ultraviolet lamp is disposed in theindoor unit 302. - Additionally, the titanium apatite distributed in or coated on the above members specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like. Additionally, the titanium apatite exhibits powerful oxidizing power by outside light or the ultraviolet lamp, and can decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like.
- <Operation and Control Content of the Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit>
- In order to describe the flow of air in the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the present embodiment, the operation of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 will be described below. Further, here, control content such as a humidifying operation will be described. - <Operation of the Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit>
- When a humidifying operation is performed in the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the present embodiment, the switchingdamper 344 is switched to the first state. The operation of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 when performing the humidifying operation and an air supply operation will be described below on the basis ofFIG. 6 andFIG. 7 . - The humidified air supply and
discharge unit 304 drives the adsorption-use fan 346 to rotate, whereby it takes in air from the outside from the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b into the humidified air supply anddischarge unit casing 340. The air entering the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 passes through the substantially half portion at the left side of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341, passes through the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a from the adsorption fan housing space SPI via the adsorption-use fan 346 and the airflow path formed by the adsorption-side duct 345 and the adsorption-side bellmouth 346, and is discharged to the front of the outdoor unit 303 (see arrow A4 inFIG. 6 andFIG. 7 ). When the air taken into the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 from the outside passes through the substantially half portion at the left side of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341, the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 adsorbs the moisture included in the air. - The substantially half portion at the left side of the moisture adsorbing and
humidifying rotor 341 that has adsorbed the moisture in this adsorption process becomes the substantially half portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 as a result of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 rotating. That is, the adsorbed moisture moves to the portion of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 positioned below theheater assembly 342 in accompaniment with the rotation of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341. Then, the moisture that has moved here is released into the airflow created by theradial fan assembly 343 by heat from theheater assembly 342. - When the
radial fan assembly 343 is driven, outside air is taken into the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 from the air supply and discharge opening 340 c, and that air passes upward from below the deep portion of the substantially half portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 and is guided into theheater assembly 342 from the inlet in the underside of theheater assembly 342. Then, the air entering theheater assembly 342 is discharged from a discharge opening in the underside of theheater assembly 342, passes downward from above through the front portion of the substantially half portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341, passes through the inside of the switchingdamper 344 from a casing side portion opening in the switchingdamper 344, and reaches the radial fan assembly 343 (see arrow A5 inFIG. 6 andFIG. 7 ). This airflow is created by theradial fan assembly 343. As described above, theradial fan assembly 343 sends, to theindoor unit 302 via the switchingdamper 344, the air supply anddischarge duct 361 and the air supply anddischarge pipe 307, the air passing through the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 and the switchingdamper 344. The air sent to theindoor unit 302 thus comes to include the moisture that had been adsorbed by the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341. - In this manner, the air supplied from the humidified air supply and
discharge unit 304 to theindoor unit 302 is blown into the room via theindoor heat exchanger 311. It will be noted that, by not activating the adsorption-use fan motor 365 and theheater assembly 342, theair conditioner 301 can also perform just air supply and air ventilation where outdoor air is taken in and sent to theindoor unit 302 without being humidified. - (Control of the Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit by a Control Unit)
- Next, the control of the humidified air supply and
discharge unit 304 by a control unit will be described. The control content includes control of the aforementioned humidifying operation and control relating to an air supply operation, an air discharge operation, and a defrosting operation. - A. Humidifying Operation
- When the control unit receives a humidification command from a remote controller or determines that the humidifying operation is necessary in response to a humidification automatic operation command from a remote controller, the control unit performs the humidifying operation. This humidifying operation is also often performed together with a heating operation. In the humidifying operation, the
rotor drive motor 347, the heater body, the radial fan motor, and the adsorption-use fan motor 365 inside the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 are driven. In this humidifying operation, as mentioned above, the rotation of the adsorption-use fan 346 causes the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 to adsorb moisture included in the air guided from the outside into the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304, and the air heated by the heater body passes through the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 by the rotation of the radial fan, so that air including the moisture released from the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 is supplied to theindoor unit 302 via the air supply anddischarge pipe 307. - B. Air Supply Operation and Air Discharge Operation
- When the control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the indoor ventilation, the control unit performs an air supply operation or an air discharge operation. The air supply operation is an operation where outdoor air is taken into the humidified air supply and
discharge unit 304 and supplied to theindoor unit 302 from the air supply anddischarge hose 307. The air discharge operation is an operation where theradial fan assembly 343 of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 causes air inside the air supply anddischarge hose 307 to be taken in—that is, where theradial fan assembly 343 causes room air to be taken into the air supply anddischarge hose 307 via theindoor unit 302—and causes that air to be discharged from theradial fan assembly 343 to the outside of theoutdoor unit 303. The flows of air in the air supply operation and in the air discharge operation are as in the description of the first state and the second state that was mentioned together with the detailed configuration of the switchingdamper 344. During the air supply operation, the switchingdamper 344 is switched to the first state such that the outdoor air passes through the air supply anddischarge hose 307 and is supplied to theindoor unit 302. On the other hand, during the air discharge operation, the switchingdamper 344 is switched to the second state, and the air passing from theindoor unit 302 through the air supply anddischarge hose 307 passes from the air outlet in theradial fan assembly 343 through the casing side portion opening in the switchingdamper 344 and is discharged to the outside of the machine. It will be noted that, in the air supply operation and the air discharge operation, the adsorption-use fan 346 and therotor drive motor 347 of the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304 are not activated, but just the radial fan is rotated. - Further, when one wishes for the air conditioner to also take in fresh outdoor air while air conditioning and to perform air ventilation gently, the air supply operation can be selected.
- It will be noted that when the
air conditioner 1 stops running, the control unit switches the switchingdamper 344 to the third state, which is different from the first state and the second state. In the third state, the inside and the outside are not communicated. - <Characteristics of the Air Conditioner>
- (1)
-
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, the air supply andexhaust pipe 307 is molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp. For this reason, theair conditioner 301 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed. - (2)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 (including the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a, the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b, the air supply and discharge opening 340 c, and thesupport shaft 340 d), thetop plate 366, the adsorption-use fan 346, therotor drive gear 348, the radial fan, the switchingdamper 344, the air supply anddischarge duct 361, the adsorption-side duct 345, and the adsorption-side bellmouth 363, which are members configuring the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304, are molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by sunlight or theultraviolet lamp 60. For this reason, theair conditioner 301 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed. - (3)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, the moisture adsorbing andhumidifying rotor 341 and theheater cover 342 a are coated with titanium apatite. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by theultraviolet lamp 60. For this reason, theair conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed. - (4)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, thecross flow fan 312 and the casing and the like, which are members configuring theindoor unit 302, are molded by resin in which titanium apatite is distributed. Further, some of the titanium apatite is exposed to the resin surface. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp. For this reason, theair conditioner 301 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed. - (5)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, titanium apatite is coated on theindoor heat exchanger 311. Additionally, the titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like, and can powerfully oxidatively decompose and detoxify odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like by theultraviolet lamp 60. For this reason, theair conditioner 1 can exhibit self-cleanability that is superior to that of an air conditioner where conventional titanium dioxide, which has poor adsorbing capability, is distributed. - (6)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, titanium apatite is distributed in the resin moldedbodies - (7)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, titanium apatite is distributed in the resin moldedbodies - <Modifications>
- (A)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, the surfaces of the resin moldedbodies bodies bodies - (B)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, titanium apatite was distributed in the resin molded bodies such as the air supply anddischarge tube 307, and the humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340 (including the adsorption-use air outlet 340 a, the adsorption-use air inlet 340 b, the air supply and discharge opening 340 c, and thesupport shaft 340 d), thetop plate 366, the adsorption-use fan 346, therotor drive gear 348, the radial fan, the switchingdamper 344, the air supply anddischarge duct 361, the adsorption-side duct 345, and the adsorption-side bellmouth 363, which are members configuring the humidified air supply anddischarge unit 304, and thecross flow fan 312 and the casing and the like, which are members configuring theindoor unit 302, but titanium apatite may also be coated on these resin molded bodies. In this case, the surfaces of the resin molded bodies may also be roughened. By doing so, more titanium apatite can be disposed on the surfaces of the resin moldedbodies bodies - (C)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp was employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite, but an LED or the like may also be employed as the light source instead of this. - (D)
- In the
air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second embodiment, sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp was employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite, but a plasma generator or the like may also be employed instead of this. When plasma is generated, ultraviolet light is created in the same manner, and consequently the photocatalytic function of the titanium apatite can be activated by that ultraviolet light. Further, when plasma is generated, radical species of high-speed electrons, ions, ozone and hydroxy radicals, and active species of other excited molecules (excited oxygen molecules, excited nitrogen molecules, excited water molecules) are created, so that odorous components, poisonous gases, bacteria, viruses and the like can be more efficiently decomposed and detoxified. - (E)
- In the second embodiment, titanium apatite was distributed in the resin molded bodies of the
air conditioner 301 having a humidifying function, but titanium apatite may also be distributed in resin molded bodies of an air conditioner having an oxygen enrichment function (e.g., an oxygen-enriched air supply hose, etc.). - The air conditioner pertaining to the present invention can decompose and remove bacteria, viruses and the like, which are sources of odor, with greater efficiency than an air conditioner that carries a conventional optical semiconductor catalyst, and can also be applied for uses such as an air purifier for which self cleaning is necessary in order to prevent secondary infection.
Claims (20)
1. An air conditioner comprising:
a resin part forming an air distribution path for distributing air into a room; and
an apatite having a photocatalytic function and being disposed on at least part of the resin part.
2. The air conditioner as recited in claim 1 , further comprising
an impeller for supplying the air into the room, the resin part including a scroll part that causes a flow of air generated as a result of the impeller rotating to converge.
3. The air conditioner as recited in claim 1 , wherein
the resin part includes a flap that adjusts a flow direction of the air into the room.
4. The air conditioner as recited in claim 1 , further comprising
a humidifying unit that humidifies the air; and
an indoor unit disposed in the room,
the air distribution path being a humidified air distribution path for supplying, to the indoor unit, the air that has been humidified by the humidifying unit.
5. An air conditioner comprising:
a resin part disposed in an air distribution path for distributing air into a room; and
an apatite having a photocatalytic function and being disposed on at least part of the resin part.
6. The air conditioner as recited in claim 5 , wherein the resin part includes an impeller for supplying the air into the room.
7. The air conditioner as recited in claim 5 , further comprising
a cooling part for cooling the air, wherein the resin part including a drain pan that receives water condensed by the cooling part.
8. The air conditioner as recited in claim 5 , wherein
the resin part includes a humidifying unit that humidifies the air.
9. The air conditioner as recited in claim 1 , wherein
the apatite is distributed in the resin part.
10. The air conditioner as recited in claim 1 , wherein
the at least part of the resin part where the apatite is disposed is surface-roughened.
11. An air distribution path forming member that forms an air distribution path for distributing air into a room, comprising:
an apatite having a photocatalytic function and being disposed so as to contact e air flowing in the air distribution path, the air distribution path forming member being molded from resin.
12. An air distribution path forming member that forms an air distribution path for distributing air into a room, the air distribution path forming member comprising:
a resin layer configured to be disposed so as to cover at least part of the air distribution path; and
an apatite having a photocatalytic function and being disposed on at least part of the resin layer.
13. The air conditioner as recited in claim 2 , wherein
the resin part includes a flap that adjusts a flow direction of the air into the room.
14. The air conditioner as recited in claim 2 , further comprising
a humidifying unit that humidifies the air; and
an indoor unit disposed in the room,
the air distribution path being a humidified air distribution path for supplying, to the indoor unit, the air that has been humidified by the humidifying unit.
15. The air conditioner as recited in claim 6 , further comprising
a cooling part for cooling the air, wherein the resin part including a drain pan that receives water condensed by the cooling part.
16. The air conditioner as recited in claim 6 , wherein
the resin part includes a humidifying unit that humidifies the air.
17. The air conditioner as recited in claim 2 , wherein
the apatite is distributed in the resin part.
18. The air conditioner as recited in claim 2 , wherein
the at least part of the resin part where the apatite is disposed is surface-roughened.
19. The air conditioner as recited in claim 5 , wherein the apatite is distributed in the resin part.
20. The air conditioner as recited in claim 5 , wherein
the at least part of the resin part where the apatite is disposed is surface-roughened.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2004-120845 | 2004-04-15 | ||
JP2004120845 | 2004-04-15 | ||
PCT/JP2005/006651 WO2005100866A1 (en) | 2004-04-15 | 2005-04-05 | Air conditioner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070209373A1 true US20070209373A1 (en) | 2007-09-13 |
Family
ID=35150082
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/547,126 Abandoned US20070209373A1 (en) | 2004-04-15 | 2005-04-05 | Air Conditioner |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070209373A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1752714A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20070011337A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1942715A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005233844A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005100866A1 (en) |
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US20080168790A1 (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2008-07-17 | Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc. | Air treatment system |
US7654102B2 (en) | 2007-01-17 | 2010-02-02 | Sub-Zero, Inc. | Air treatment system for refrigerated appliance |
US20110185763A1 (en) * | 2008-09-17 | 2011-08-04 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Outdoor unit of air conditioner |
US20120064241A1 (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2012-03-15 | Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. | Method of surface-treating aluminum heat exchangers for vehicles, and method of manufacturing the heat exchangers |
US20130133351A1 (en) * | 2011-11-24 | 2013-05-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Air conditioner |
CN106016467A (en) * | 2016-07-04 | 2016-10-12 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Air conditioner |
US20170299201A1 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2017-10-19 | Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Technology (Hong Kong) Limited | Indoor unit for air conditioner |
US11118791B2 (en) * | 2017-03-03 | 2021-09-14 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Indoor unit of air-conditioning apparatus |
US11365335B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-06-21 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Composition comprising refrigerant, use thereof, refrigerating machine having same, and method for operating said refrigerating machine |
US20220252279A1 (en) * | 2021-02-07 | 2022-08-11 | Shenzhen Antop Technology Co., Ltd | Wall-mounted air purifier |
US11435118B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-09-06 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11441802B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-09-13 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioning apparatus |
US11441819B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-09-13 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US20220333801A1 (en) * | 2021-04-14 | 2022-10-20 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air conditioner unit having a sterilization light assembly |
US11493244B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-11-08 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air-conditioning unit |
US11492527B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-11-08 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Composition containing refrigerant, use of said composition, refrigerator having said composition, and method for operating said refrigerator |
US20220364747A1 (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-11-17 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air conditioner unit and sterilization light assembly |
US11506425B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-11-22 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11535781B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-12-27 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11549695B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-01-10 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Heat exchange unit |
US11549041B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-01-10 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Composition containing refrigerant, use of said composition, refrigerator having said composition, and method for operating said refrigerator |
US11583601B2 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2023-02-21 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Drug-containing capsule, and component for air treatment device |
US11820933B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-11-21 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11906207B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2024-02-20 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration apparatus |
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KR20150101156A (en) * | 2014-02-26 | 2015-09-03 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A home appliance including photocatalyst for visible rays |
DE112018007794B4 (en) * | 2018-07-03 | 2023-09-28 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Indoor unit of an air conditioning and air conditioning system |
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- 2005-04-05 CN CNA2005800113827A patent/CN1942715A/en active Pending
- 2005-04-05 WO PCT/JP2005/006651 patent/WO2005100866A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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US20080168790A1 (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2008-07-17 | Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc. | Air treatment system |
US7654102B2 (en) | 2007-01-17 | 2010-02-02 | Sub-Zero, Inc. | Air treatment system for refrigerated appliance |
US7824480B2 (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2010-11-02 | Sub-Zero, Inc. | Air treatment system |
US20110185763A1 (en) * | 2008-09-17 | 2011-08-04 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Outdoor unit of air conditioner |
US20120064241A1 (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2012-03-15 | Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. | Method of surface-treating aluminum heat exchangers for vehicles, and method of manufacturing the heat exchangers |
US20130133351A1 (en) * | 2011-11-24 | 2013-05-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Air conditioner |
US9151507B2 (en) * | 2011-11-24 | 2015-10-06 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Air conditioner |
US20170299201A1 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2017-10-19 | Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Technology (Hong Kong) Limited | Indoor unit for air conditioner |
CN106016467A (en) * | 2016-07-04 | 2016-10-12 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Air conditioner |
US11118791B2 (en) * | 2017-03-03 | 2021-09-14 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Indoor unit of air-conditioning apparatus |
US11441819B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-09-13 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11492527B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-11-08 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Composition containing refrigerant, use of said composition, refrigerator having said composition, and method for operating said refrigerator |
US11435118B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-09-06 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11441802B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-09-13 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioning apparatus |
US11365335B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-06-21 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Composition comprising refrigerant, use thereof, refrigerating machine having same, and method for operating said refrigerating machine |
US11549041B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-01-10 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Composition containing refrigerant, use of said composition, refrigerator having said composition, and method for operating said refrigerator |
US11493244B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-11-08 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air-conditioning unit |
US11820933B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-11-21 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11906207B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2024-02-20 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration apparatus |
US11506425B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-11-22 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11535781B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-12-27 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
US11549695B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-01-10 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Heat exchange unit |
US11583601B2 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2023-02-21 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Drug-containing capsule, and component for air treatment device |
US20220252279A1 (en) * | 2021-02-07 | 2022-08-11 | Shenzhen Antop Technology Co., Ltd | Wall-mounted air purifier |
US11859836B2 (en) * | 2021-02-07 | 2024-01-02 | Shenzhen Antop Technology Co., Ltd | Wall-mounted air purifier |
US20220333801A1 (en) * | 2021-04-14 | 2022-10-20 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air conditioner unit having a sterilization light assembly |
US11585547B2 (en) * | 2021-04-14 | 2023-02-21 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air conditioner unit having a sterilization light assembly |
US11578884B2 (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2023-02-14 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air conditioner unit and sterilization light assembly |
US20220364747A1 (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-11-17 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air conditioner unit and sterilization light assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1942715A (en) | 2007-04-04 |
KR20070011337A (en) | 2007-01-24 |
WO2005100866A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
EP1752714A1 (en) | 2007-02-14 |
AU2005233844A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TAIRA, SHIGEHARU;KURODA, TAROU;OKAMOTO, YOSHIO;REEL/FRAME:018399/0102 Effective date: 20050428 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |