U.S. patent application number 11/547126 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for air conditioner.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Tarou Kuroda, Yoshio Okamoto, Shigeharu Taira.
Application Number | 20070209373 11/547126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35150082 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070209373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taira; Shigeharu ; et
al. |
September 13, 2007 |
Air Conditioner
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.
Inventors: |
Taira; Shigeharu; (Shiga,
JP) ; Kuroda; Tarou; (Shiga, JP) ; Okamoto;
Yoshio; (Shiga, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Osaka-shi, Osaka
JP
530-8323
|
Family ID: |
35150082 |
Appl. No.: |
11/547126 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
April 5, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP05/06651 |
371 Date: |
October 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/78 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/0057 20190201;
F24F 1/0007 20130101; Y02A 50/20 20180101; F24F 8/192 20210101;
F24F 1/0022 20130101; F24F 8/22 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/078 |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/16 20060101
F24F003/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2004 |
JP |
2004-120845 |
Claims
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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner for
conditioning air.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] 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).
[0003] <Patent Document 1>JP-A No. 9-196399
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
<Problem that the Invention is to Solve>
[0004] 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>
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] Here, the resin part is a scroll part. For this reason, in
this air conditioner, the scroll part can be kept clean.
[0010] 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.
[0011] Here, the resin part is a flap. For this reason, in this air
conditioner, the flap can be kept clean.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] Here, the resin part is an impeller. For this reason, in
this air conditioner, the impeller can be kept clean.
[0019] 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.
[0020] Here, the resin part is a drain pan. For this reason, in
this air conditioner, the drain pan can be kept clean.
[0021] 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.
[0022] Here, the resin part is a humidifying unit. For this reason,
in this air conditioner, the humidifying unit can be kept
clean.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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>
[0033] 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.
[0034] In the air conditioner pertaining to the second invention,
the scroll part can be kept clean.
[0035] In the air conditioner pertaining to the third invention,
the flap can be kept clean.
[0036] In the air conditioner pertaining to the fourth invention,
the humidifying hose and the humidifying duct can be kept
clean.
[0037] 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.
[0038] In the air conditioner pertaining to the sixth invention,
the impeller can be kept clean.
[0039] In the air conditioner pertaining to the seventh invention,
the drain pan can be kept clean.
[0040] In the air conditioner pertaining to the eighth invention,
the humidifying unit can be kept clean.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1 is an external view of an air conditioner pertaining
to a first embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a refrigerant system of the air
conditioner pertaining to the first embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit pertaining
to the first embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing part of the
configuration of an indoor unit casing pertaining to the first
embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 5 is an external view of an air conditioner pertaining
to a second embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a refrigerant system of the air
conditioner pertaining to the second embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit of
the air conditioner pertaining to the second embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a comparative diagram of the photocatalytic
activities of titanium dioxide and titanium apatite.
[0053] FIG. 9 is a comparative diagram of resin erosivity of
titanium dioxide and titanium apatite.
[0054] <Description of the Reference Numerals> TABLE-US-00001
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)
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
<Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner>
[0055] The exterior of an air conditioner 1 pertaining to a first
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.
[0056] 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.
[0057] An indoor heat exchanger is housed inside the indoor unit 2,
an outdoor heat exchanger is housed inside the outdoor unit 3, and
the heat exchangers are connected by a refrigerant pipe 4 to
configure a refrigerant circuit.
<Outline of the Configuration of the Refrigerant Circuit of the
Air Conditioner>
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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. Further,
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. Further, 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.
<Configuration of the Indoor Unit>
[0061] A side sectional view of the indoor unit 2 is shown in FIG.
3.
[0062] 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 23a that houses these.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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 29a and 29b are disposed in the lower portion of the
indoor heat exchanger 20. The drain pans 29a and 29b 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.
(Configuration of the Indoor Unit Casing 23a)
[0065] The indoor unit casing 23a is mainly configured by a scroll
24, a front grill 25a, and a front panel 26a.
[0066] 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.
[0067] The front grill 25a is formed so as to cover the top, the
sides, and the bottom of the indoor unit 2, and the front panel 26a
is attached to the front portion of the front grill 25a (see FIG. 3
and FIG. 4). The inlet 251, which comprises plural slit-shaped
openings, is disposed in the top of the front grill 25a. The inlet
251 is disposed across substantially the entire top of the front
grill 25a. 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 25a. Further, 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.
[0068] The front panel 26a is disposed on the front of the indoor
unit 2. The front panel 26a is formed separately from the front
grill 25a and is attached so as to cover the front of the front
grill 25a. The front side of the front grill 25a 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).
[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, an opening 254 is disposed in the front
of the front grill 25a. Various kinds of filters 50, 51 and 52 are
disposed between the front of the front grill 25a and the front
panel 26a, 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.
[0070] 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 25a. The portion of the pre-filter 50 positioned
on the top of the front grill 25a is positioned just inside the top
inlet 251.
[0071] The air purifying filter 51 is disposed on the front upper
portion of the front grill 25a 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.
[0072] The photocatalytic filter 52 is disposed on the front lower
portion of the front grill 25a 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.sub.2 and SO.sub.x. The photocatalytic 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>
[0073] The cross flow fan 21, the front grill 25a (including the
inlet 251, the outlet 252, the scroll 24, and the drain pans 29a
and 29b), the front panel 26a, 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, 25a,
26a, 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.
[0074] 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 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 26a, and is activated mainly by outside light.
<Performance of Titanium Apatite with Respect to Bacteria and
Viruses>
[0075] The inactivation rates of viruses, bacteria, and toxins by
titanium apatite are shown in Table 1. TABLE-US-00002 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
[0076] 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
[0077] An influenza virus suspension was delivered by drops into
filters (about 30 mm.times.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
[0078] Inactivation Rate=100.times.(1-10.sup.B/10.sup.A) [0079] A:
Viral infectivity immediately after inoculation [0080] B: Viral
infectivity after irradiation with light for 24 hours (3) Test
Method [0081] A. Test Virus: influenza virus A (H1N1) [0082] B.
Cells Used: MDCK (NBL-2) cells ATCC CCL-34 strain (Dainippon
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) [0083] C. Mediums Used [0084] a) Cell
Growth Medium
[0085] A medium obtained by adding 10% newborn calf serum to Eagle
MEM (including 0.06 mg/ml kanamycin) was used. [0086] b) Cell
Maintenance Medium
[0087] A medium having the following composition was used.
TABLE-US-00003 Eagle MEM 1,000 mL 10% NaHCO.sub.3 24 to 44 mL
L-glutamine (30 g/L) 9.8 mL 100 .times. MEM vitamin solution 30 mL
10% albumin 20 mL Trypsin (5 mg/mL) 2 mL
[0088] D. Preparation of Virus Suspension [0089] a) Cell
Culture
[0090] The cell growth medium was used to grow the MDCK cells in
monolayer culture inside a tissue culture flask. [0091] b) Virus
Inoculation
[0092] 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.degree. C. carbon dioxide incubator (CO.sub.2
concentration: 5%). [0093] c) Preparation of Virus Suspension
[0094] 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.
[0095] E. Preparation of Sample
[0096] The filter (about 30 mm.times.30 mm) was air-dried for 1
hour after moist heat sterilization (121.degree. 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. [0097] F. Test Operation
[0098] 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. [0099] G Washout
of Virus
[0100] After being stored for 24 hours, the virus suspension in the
specimen was washed out with 2 mL of the cell maintenance medium.
[0101] H. Measurement of Viral Infectivity
[0102] 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.degree. C.
carbon oxide incubator (CO.sub.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.sub.50)
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
[0103] 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)").
[0104] The test was implemented as follows.
[0105] 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.degree. 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
[0106] A. Test Strains
[0107] Bacteria: [0108] Escherichia coli IFO 3972 [0109]
Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus IFO 12732
[0110] Fungus: [0111] Cladosporium cladosporioides IFO 6348
[0112] B. Test Mediums [0113] NA medium: ordinary agar medium
(Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) [0114] 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 [0115] SCDLP medium: SCDLP
medium (Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) [0116] SA medium: standard
agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) [0117] PDA medium: potato
dextrose agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.)
[0118] C. Preparation of Bacteria Liquids [0119] Bacteria:
[0120] A bacterial body obtained by again inoculating the NA medium
with the test strain that had been preincubated at 35.degree. C.
for 16 to 24 hours in the NA medium and which was incubated at
35.degree. 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.times.10.sup.5 to 1.0.times.10.sup.6. [0121] Fungus:
[0122] After being preincubated at 25.degree. 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.times.10.sup.5 to 1.0.times.10.sup.6.
[0123] D. Preparation of Samples
[0124] Filters (about 50 mm.times.50 mm) were air-dried for 1 hour
after moist heat sterilization (121.degree. 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.
[0125] E. Test Operation
[0126] 0.4 mL of the bacteria liquid was delivered in drops to the
samples, low-density polyethylene films (40 mm.times.40 mm) were
placed thereon to contact the samples. These were stored at room
temperature (20 to 25.degree. 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.
[0127] F. Measurement of Viable Count
[0128] 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.degree. C.) for the bacteria and the PDA medium (incubated for 7
days at 25.degree. 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
[0129] Samples were inoculated with staphylococcal enterotoxin A
(hereinafter abbreviated as "SET-A") and stored at room temperature
(20 to 25.degree. C.) under dark conditions (shielded from light)
and bright conditions (irradiated with ultraviolet light with a
strength of about 1 mW/cm.sup.2), and the SET-A density after 24
hours was measured and the decomposition rate was calculated.
(2) Test Method
[0130] A. Preparation of Standard Stock Solution
[0131] SET-A standard (Toxin Technology) was dissolved in 1% sodium
chloride including 0.5% bovine serum albumin to prepare a 5
.mu.m/mL standard stock solution.
[0132] B. Standard Solution for Calibration Curve
[0133] 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.
[0134] C. Preparation of Samples
[0135] Filters were cut to a size of 50 mm.times.50 mm and
irradiated with a black light for 24 hours from a distance of about
1 cm to obtain the samples.
[0136] D. Test Operation
[0137] 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.degree. C.) under
shielding from light and irradiation with ultraviolet light having
a strength of about 1 mW/cm.sup.2 (black light, FL20S BL-B 20 W, 2
in parallel).
[0138] 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.
[0139] 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.
[0140] E. Creation of Calibration Curve
[0141] 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.
[0142] F. Measurement of SET-A Density and Calculation of
Decomposition Rate
[0143] 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.
[0144] Decomposition rate (%)=(measured value of reference-measured
value of sample solution)/measured value of
comparison.times.100
<Characteristics of the Air Conditioner>
(1)
[0145] In the air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment,
the cross flow fan 21, the front grill 25a (including the inlet
251, the outlet 252, the scroll 24, and the drain pans 29a and
29b), the front panel 26a, 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.
(2)
[0146] In the air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment,
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.
(3)
[0147] In the air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment,
titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded bodies 211,
25a, 26a, and 253. Conventionally, an optical semiconductor
catalyst such as titanium dioxide has often been coated. However,
because it is necessary to increase the number of manufacturing
steps in order to coat the optical semiconductor catalyst, there
has been the problem that the manufacturing cost runs up. However,
here, 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.
(4)
[0148] In the air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment,
titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded bodies 211,
25a, 26a, and 253. As shown in 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 of FIG. 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 of FIG. 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.
[0149] 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)
[0150] In the air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment,
the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21, 25a, 26a, and 253 were
substantially smooth, but the resin molded bodies 21, 25a, 26a, 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, 25a, 26a, and 253.
(B)
[0151] In the air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment,
titanium apatite was distributed in the resin molded bodies such as
the cross flow fan 21, the front grill 25a (including the inlet
251, the outlet 252, the scroll 24, and the drain pans 29a and
29b), the front panel 26a, and the flap 253, but titanium apatite
may also be coated on those resin molded bodies. In this case, the
surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21, 25a, 26a, and 253 may be
roughened. By doing so, more titanium apatite can be disposed on
the surfaces of the resin molded bodies 21, 25a, 26a, and 253.
Further, a mixture of titanium apatite and a conventional optical
semiconductor catalyst may be coated on the resin molded bodies 21,
25a, 26a, and 253.
(C)
[0152] In the air conditioner 1 pertaining to the first embodiment,
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.
(D)
[0153] 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)
[0154] In the first embodiment, titanium apatite was distributed in
the cross flow fan 21, the front grill 25a, the front panel 26a,
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. 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.
Second Embodiment
<Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner>
[0155] The exterior of an air conditioner 301 pertaining to a
second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5.
[0156] 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, and an
outdoor heat exchanger is housed inside the outdoor unit 303.
Additionally, the heat exchangers and refrigerant pipes 331 and 332
(see FIG. 6) that connect these heat exchangers configure a
refrigerant circuit. Further, 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.
<Configuration of the Refrigerant Circuit>
[0157] 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.
[0158] An 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.
[0159] Further, 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.
[0160] 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. Further, 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.
[0161] Further, 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.
<Configuration of the Outdoor Unit>
[0162] As shown in FIG. 5, 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.
[0163] First, the configuration of the outdoor air conditioning
unit 305 will be described on the basis of FIG. 7.
(Configuration Pertaining to the Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit)
[0164] 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.
[0165] 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 351a from the inside of the outdoor
air conditioning unit 305 and is blown to the outside of the
outdoor unit 303. Further, a fan outlet member 356 and a partition
plate 357 are attached to the rear of the front panel 351.
[0166] 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. Here, 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. It will be noted that 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
351a. Further, a shutoff valve cover 355 for protecting the liquid
shutoff valve 327 and the gas shutoff valve 328 (see FIG. 6) is
attached to the right side plate 352.
[0167] 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.
[0168] 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.
[0169] 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 351a.
[0170] Other 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.
[0171] Further, 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.
(Configuration of the Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit)
[0172] Next, the configuration of the humidified air supply and
discharge unit 304 will be described mainly on the basis of FIG.
7.
A. Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit Casing
[0173] 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.
[0174] An adsorption-use air outlet 340a 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 340a and is blown to the
outside of the outdoor unit 303.
[0175] Further, an adsorption-use air inlet 340b and an air supply
and discharge opening 340c 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 340b 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
340c 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.
[0176] Further, the top portion of the humidified air supply and
discharge unit casing 340 is covered by a top plate 366.
[0177] 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.
B. Moisture Adsorbing and Humidifying Rotor
[0178] 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.
[0179] 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.
[0180] The moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 is
rotatably supported via an unillustrated rotor guide on a support
shaft 340d 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.
C. Heater Assembly
[0181] The heater assembly 342 is configured by a heater cover 342a
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.
D. Radial Fan Assembly
[0182] 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 340c 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.
[0183] 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.
[0184] When 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 340c 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.
E. Switching Damper
[0185] 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.
[0186] In the first 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. Thus, in the first state, the air flows in the
direction of the arrow represented by the solid line arrow A2 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.
[0187] 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 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 340c.
[0188] In the third state, 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.
F. Adsorption-Side Duct and Adsorption-Use Fan
[0189] 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.
[0190] 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
363a in the adsorption-side bellmouth 363 disposed in the upper
portion to create an airflow flowing from the adsorption-use air
inlet 340b to the open portion 363a via the moisture adsorbing and
humidifying rotor 341. Additionally, the adsorption-use fan 346
discharges, from the adsorption-use air outlet 340a 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 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>
[0191] 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.
[0192] The humidified air supply and discharge unit casing 340
(including the adsorption-use air outlet 340a, the adsorption-use
air inlet 340b, the air supply and discharge opening 340c, and the
support shaft 340d), 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. It will be noted that 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 342a 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.
Further, the humidified air supply and discharge unit 304 is
configured such that outside light shines therein from the
adsorption-use air outlet 340a, the adsorption-use air inlet 340b,
and the air supply and discharge opening 340c.
[0193] 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.
[0194] 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>
[0195] 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 and discharge 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>
[0196] 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.
[0197] 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 340b 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 340a 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 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 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 and humidifying rotor 341, the
moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 adsorbs the moisture
included in the air.
[0198] 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.
[0199] 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 340c, and that air passes
upward from below the deep portion of the substantially half
portion at the right side of the moisture adsorbing and humidifying
rotor 341 and is guided into the heater assembly 342 from the inlet
in the underside of the heater assembly 342. Then, 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 A5 in FIG. 6 and
FIG. 7). This airflow is created by the radial fan assembly 343. As
described above, 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.
[0200] In this manner, 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. It will be noted that,
by not activating the adsorption-use fan motor 365 and the heater
assembly 342, 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.
(Control of the Humidified Air Supply and Discharge Unit by a
Control Unit)
[0201] 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
[0202] 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. In this
humidifying operation, as mentioned above, 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.
B. Air Supply Operation and Air Discharge Operation
[0203] 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 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. During the air supply operation, 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. On the other hand, during
the air discharge operation, 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. It will be noted that, in the air
supply operation and the air discharge operation, 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.
[0204] 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.
[0205] It will be noted that when the air conditioner 1 stops
running, 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.
<Characteristics of the Air Conditioner>
(1)
[0206]
[0207] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, 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.
(2)
[0208] 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 340a, the adsorption-use
air inlet 340b, the air supply and discharge opening 340c, and the
support shaft 340d), 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. 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 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.
(3)
[0209] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, the moisture adsorbing and humidifying rotor 341 and
the heater cover 342a 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.
(4)
[0210] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, 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.
(5)
[0211] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, 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.
(6)
[0212] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded
bodies 307, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 344, 345, 346, 348, 361,
363, and 366. Conventionally, an optical semiconductor catalyst
such as titanium dioxide has often been coated. However, because it
is necessary to increase the number of manufacturing steps in order
to coat the optical semiconductor catalyst, there has been the
problem that the manufacturing cost runs up. However, here,
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.
(7)
[0213] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, titanium apatite is distributed in the resin molded
bodies 307, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 344, 345, 346, 348, 361,
363, and 366. Conventionally, 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. However, 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.
<Modifications>
(A)
[0214] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, 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.
(B)
[0215] In the air conditioner 301 pertaining to the second
embodiment, 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 340a, the adsorption-use air inlet 340b,
the air supply and discharge opening 340c, and the support shaft
340d), 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. 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
molded bodies 340, 366, 346, 348, 344, 361, 345, and 363. Further,
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.
(C)
[0216] 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)
[0217] 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)
[0218] 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.).
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0219] 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.
* * * * *