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(11) | EP 4 450 887 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | BLOWER DEVICE |
| (57) A blower apparatus includes: an air inlet in communication with an indoor space;
an air outlet in communication with the indoor space; an internal air passage from
the air inlet to the air outlet; an electric blower for generating air flow from the
air inlet to the air outlet through the internal air passage; and a UV irradiator
for irradiating at least a part of the internal air passage with ultraviolet rays.
The UV irradiator may include a heat sink and a substrate. At least a part of the
heat sink or at least a part of the substrate may be exposed to the internal air passage.
The blower apparatus may further include a controller for varying an average output
of the UV irradiator in accordance with an air volume of the electric blower. |
Technical Field
Background Art
[0002] PTL 1 listed below proposes a method by which an ultraviolet ray irradiating apparatus and an ozone generating apparatus are placed indoor or in a vehicle, so as to sterilize the air in the indoor space by simultaneously performing ultraviolet ray irradiation and ozone generation.
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] According to the method proposed in PTL 1, it is not necessarily always easy to efficiently sterilize the air in the indoor space.
[0005] To solve the abovementioned problem, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a blower apparatus advantageous in enhancing hygiene of indoor spaces. Solution to Problem
[0006] A blower apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: an air inlet in communication with an indoor space; an air outlet in communication with the indoor space; an internal air passage from the air inlet to the air outlet; an electric blower for generating air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet through the internal air passage; and a UV irradiator for irradiating at least a part of the internal air passage with ultraviolet rays.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0007] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a blower apparatus advantageous in enhancing hygiene of indoor spaces.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0008]
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a blower apparatus according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a processing circuit of the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a time chart showing an example of changes in an average output of a UV irradiator and an example of changes in a blown air volume of an electric blower, which are observed when the flowchart in Fig. 8 is executed.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a time chart showing an example of changes in a heat dissipation efficiency of the UV irradiator and an example of changes in a detected temperature of a temperature detector, while a controller is controlling an air direction changer in accordance with the detection result of the temperature detector.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus including a mover, while performing an indoor heating operation.
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus including the mover, while performing an indoor cooling operation.
Fig. 14 is a side view of the mover.
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus including a plurality of UV irradiators while performing an indoor heating operation.
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus including the plurality of UV irradiators while performing an indoor cooling operation.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 19 is a front view of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 20 is a rear view of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment, being sectioned at the line B-B in Fig. 19.
Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification example of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional views of other modification examples of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional views of other modification examples of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional views of other modification examples of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional views of other modification examples of the UV irradiator included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of attaching the UV irradiator to a wall part of an internal air passage.
Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional side view showing another example of attaching the UV irradiator to the wall part of the internal air passage.
Description of Embodiments
[0009] The following will describe embodiments, with reference to the drawings. Some of the elements that are the same as or correspond to each other in different drawings will be referred to by using the same reference characters, and explanations thereof will be simplified or omitted. Further, when angles are mentioned in the present disclosure, if there are major and minor angles totaling 360 degrees, the value of the minor angle will be referred to. If there are acute and obtuse angles totaling 180 degrees, the value of the acute angle will be referred to. Further, the configurations described in the following embodiments represent examples of the technical concepts of the present disclosure and may be combined with other publicly-known techniques. It is also possible to combine two or more of the technical concepts described in the present disclosure. Furthermore, it is also possible to omit or change a part of the configurations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.
First Embodiment
[0010] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a main body casing 2, an electric blower 10, and a UV irradiator 23. The main body casing 2 includes an air inlet 6 in communication with an indoor space and an air outlet 7 in communication with the indoor space. An internal air passage 5 from the air inlet 6 to the air outlet 7 is formed inside the main body casing 2. The electric blower 10 generates air flow AF from the air inlet 6 to the air outlet 7 through the internal air passage 5. The electric blower 10 is disposed inside the main body casing 2. The UV irradiator 23 irradiates at least a part of the internal air passage 5 with ultraviolet rays. The main body casing 2 has a wall part 3. The wall part 3 forms wall surfaces of the internal air passage 5. Fig. 1 corresponds to a view of the blower apparatus 1 from a side thereof. The electric blower 10 includes a motor and a fan.
[0011] In the present disclosure, the term "blower apparatus" is a broad expression. For example, the "blower apparatus" in the present disclosure may denote all or a part of an air purifier, may denote all or a part of an air conditioner, may denote all or a part of a dehumidifier, or may denote all or a part of a humidifier. Further, the "blower apparatus" in the present disclosure may denote all or a part of a dryer, may denote all or a part of a drying apparatus, may denote all or a part of a hand dryer, may denote all or a part of an electric fan, may denote all or a part of a heater, may denote all or a part of a moisturizer, or may denote all or a part of an apparatus having an air blowing function.
[0012] The ultraviolet rays emitted by the UV irradiator 23 may be UVC, for example. The ultraviolet rays emitted by the UV irradiator 23 has a sterilization action. The light beams emitted from the UV irradiator 23 collide with internal wall surfaces of the internal air passage 5 and also collide with the air flowing through the internal air passage 5. The surfaces of the internal air passage 5 irradiated with the ultraviolet rays, structures present in the internal air passage 5, and the air inside the internal air passage 5 are sterilized by the ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiator 23. Examples of the structures present in the internal air passage 5 include an air filter, a fan, and the like.
[0013] In the present embodiment, because the surfaces of the internal air passage 5, the structures present in the internal air passage 5, and the air in the internal air passage 5 are sterilized, it is possible to ensure that the air blowing out into the indoor space through the air outlet 7 is more hygienic than the indoor air sucked into the main body casing 2 through the air inlet 6. This configuration thus realizes a hygienic situation.
[0014] In the present embodiment, an example will primarily be explained in which the blower apparatus 1 is used as an indoor unit of an air conditioner. However, the following description is also similarly applicable to various types of blower apparatuses 1 mentioned above besides air conditioners. Provided inside the main body casing 2 are an upper heat exchanger 4, another upper heat exchanger 8, and a lower heat exchanger 9. The upper heat exchanger 4, the upper heat exchanger 8, and the lower heat exchanger 9 exchange heat between the air flowing through the internal air passage 5 and a cooling medium supplied from an outdoor unit (not shown) of the air conditioner. At least a part of the upper heat exchanger 8 is disposed on the front face side. All or a part of the lower heat exchanger 9 is disposed on the front face side.
[0015] The blower apparatus 1 in the present embodiment includes a panel 17 and a louver 18. The panel 17 forms the front face of the main body casing 2. The louver 18 operates or rotates so as to be able to adjust directions of the air flow blowing into the indoor space through the air outlet 7. The louver 18 may have a rotation shaft extending in a left-and-right direction, so as to be able to adjust blowing directions in up-and-down directions. The louver 18 may have a rotation shaft, so as to be able to adjust blowing directions in left-and-right directions. The louver 18 may have a plurality of rotation shafts, so as to be able to adjust blowing directions in up-and-down directions and left-and-right directions.
[0016] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the blower apparatus 1 includes a controller 22 that controls operations of the electric blower 10 and operations of the UV irradiator 23. The blower apparatus 1 may be provided with at least one of the following explained later: a contamination degree detector/estimator 11, a body temperature detector 12, a human identifier 13, a temperature detector 14, an air direction changer 15, a mover 16, a hand detector 21, and a human detector 39.
[0017] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a processing circuit of the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, functions of the controller 22 may be achieved by the processing circuit in the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3. For examples, functions of the controller 22 may be achieved, as a result of the processor 101 shown in Fig. 3 executing a program stored in the memory 102. Further, functions of the controller 22 may be achieved by a collaboration of a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories. Furthermore, a part of the functions of the controller 22 may be installed as an electronic circuit, while the other part is achieved by using the processor 101 and the memory 102.
[0018] The UV irradiator 23 may include at least one of a heat sink 28 and a substrate 27 (explained later). At least a part of the heat sink 28 or at least a part of the substrate 27 may be exposed to the internal air passage 5. With the air flowing through the internal air passage 5, it is possible to cool the UV irradiator 23 with certainty. When the UV irradiator 23 does not include the heat sink 28, the substrate 27 is cooled.
[0019] In the present disclosure, the volume of the air generated by driving the electric blower 10 may be expressed as an air volume of the electric blower 10. In accordance with the air volume of the electric blower 10, the controller 22 may vary an average output of the UV irradiator 23. In the present disclosure, for example, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 may be an average output per minute or an average output in ten minutes. The controller 22 may cause the UV irradiator 23 to continuously turn on the light with a constant output. In that situation, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 is equal to the output of the UV irradiator 23 during a turned-on period. The controller 22 may repeatedly turn on and off the light of the UV irradiator 23. In that situation, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 has a smaller value than the output of the UV irradiator 23 during a turned-on period. Further, in that situation, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 is equal to an average output calculated from the UV irradiator 23 during a turned-on period and the UV irradiator 23 during a turned-off period. Further, the output of the UV irradiator 23 may repeatedly yield a first output and a second output. In another example, the output of the UV irradiator 23 may fluctuate over the course of time. Further, in that situation, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 is equal to an average output from a series of control exercised over the UV irradiator 23.
[0020] The controller 22 may exercise control so that the average output of the UV irradiator 23 achieved while the air volume of the electric blower 10 is relatively large is higher than the average output of the UV irradiator 23 achieved while the air volume of the electric blower 10 is relatively small. The UV irradiator 23 generates heat due to the light emission. When the UV irradiator 23 keeps performing the irradiation while having a high temperature, the product life of the UV irradiator 23 will be shortened. In other words, the duration of the UV irradiator 23 being able to emit light with high luminosity will be shortened. An example of such a case would be that the UV irradiator 23, which could otherwise perform the irradiation for 10000 hours, can perform the irradiation for only 8000 hours. Generally speaking, a total luminous flux of the UV irradiator 23 gradually becomes lower, as the total irradiation time period becomes longer. Generally speaking, when the total luminous flux of the UV irradiator 23 becomes as low as a certain percentage (e.g., 70%) of a total luminous flux exhibited when the UV irradiator 23 was new, the UV irradiator 23 is defined as having reached the end of the product life. For this reason, it is difficult to cause the UV irradiator 23 to keep performing the irradiation with a high output at all times. However, while the electric blower 10 is having a large air volume, it is possible to lower the temperature of the UV irradiator 23, by cooling the UV irradiator 23 by having a part of the air blowing thereon. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the UV irradiator 23 to perform the irradiation in a high-output state. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the product life of the UV irradiator 23 from getting shortened and to also enhance hygiene.
[0021] As mentioned above, the UV irradiator 23 may repeatedly turn the light on and off at prescribed intervals. In that situation, the controller 22 may exercise control so that the turned-on period is longer than the turned-off period while the air volume of the electric blower 10 is large and so that the turned-on period is shorter than the turned-off period while the air volume of the electric blower 10 is small, as compared to while the air volume is large.
[0022] The human detector 39 detects a presence state where there is any person in the indoor space and an absence state where no person is present in the indoor space. For example, the human detector 39 may be realized by using a camera, a thermopile, a heat detection sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration detection sensor, and/or the like. In accordance with detection results of the human detector 39, the controller 22 may vary the average output of the UV irradiator 23. By varying the average output of the UV irradiator 23 in accordance with whether there is any person or absent in the indoor space, it is possible to inhibit deterioration of the product life of a light source 24 of the UV irradiator 23, while keeping the indoor space hygienic. It is also possible to reduce radiation exposure risks of human bodies. The light source 24 of the UV irradiator 23 may hereinafter be referred to as a "UV light source".
[0023] In the present disclosure, an operation mode in which the UV irradiator 23 is emitting the ultraviolet rays will be referred to as a "sterilization" mode. The air conditioner a part of which is structured by the blower apparatus 1 may be configured to be able to perform an indoor cooling operation, an indoor heating operation, a dehumidifying operation, an air blowing operation, a humidifying operation, a ventilating operation, a cool air operation, a warm air operation, and/or the like. The sterilization mode may be operable independently of other functions such as the indoor cooling operation, the indoor heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, the air blowing operation, the humidifying operation, the ventilating operation, the cool air operation, the warm air operation, and/or the like. The sterilization mode may also be used together with other functions such as the indoor cooling operation, the indoor heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, the air blowing operation, the humidifying operation, the ventilating operation, the cool air operation, the warm air operation, and/or the like.
[0024] Even when the sterilization mode alone is used, it is desirable for the controller 22 to drive the electric blower 10 to blow the air. This makes it possible to sterilize the indoor space. Further, when driving the electric blower 10 in the sterilization mode alone, the controller 22 may decrease the air volume thereof, as compared to during the air blowing operation. This makes it possible to perform the sterilization while operating quietly. In the sterilization mode, the UV irradiation and the air blowing operation may be coordinated with each other. For example, when the UV irradiation is turned on, the air blowing operation may also be started either at the same time or slightly earlier or later. When the UV irradiation is turned off, the air blowing operation may also be ended either at the same time or slightly earlier or later. However, when other operation modes are used together, the operation is not limited to the above examples, and the UV irradiation is switched on and off by itself.
[0025] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Let us assumed that, in step S1 in Fig. 4, a power source of the blower apparatus 1 is turned on, and the sterilization mode is selected. When the sterilization mode is selected, the UV irradiation may be in an ON state or the UV irradiation may be in an OFF state. If the UV irradiation is in the ON state, it is possible to perform the sterilization immediately. Further, the sterilization mode does not necessarily need to be provided exclusively for the blower apparatus 1. In an example, the sterilization mode may be provided as a standard feature of an indoor cooling function. The foregoing applies to the entirety of the present disclosure. While the power source of the blower apparatus 1 is on, the indoor cooling operation, the indoor heating operation, the humidifying operation, the air blowing operation, and/or the like may be performed or may not be performed. When none of the indoor cooling operation, the indoor heating operation, the humidifying operation, the air blowing operation, and/or the like is performed, only the human detector 39 is performing the sensing operation.
[0026] The process proceeds from step S1 to step S2. In step S2, the controller 22 determines whether or not the human detector 39 has detected the presence state. When the human detector 39 has detected the presence state, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3. In step S3, the UV irradiation of the UV irradiator 23 transitions into the ON state. If the sterilization mode alone is in operation, the air blowing operation of the electric blower 10 also transitions into an ON state.
[0027] In step S2, when the human detector 39 has detected the absence state, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S4. In step S4, the UV irradiation of the UV irradiator 23 transitions into the OFF state. When the sterilization mode alone is in operation, the air blowing operation of the electric blower 10 also transitions into an OFF state. In the present disclosure, the "UV irradiation being in the OFF state" and the "UV irradiator 23 having the light turned off" denote not only the average output of the UV irradiator 23 being zero, but also situations including the UV irradiator 23 operating with a lower average output than that observed "while the UV irradiation is in the ON state" or "while the UV irradiator 23 has the light turned on". Further, in the present disclosure, the "air blowing operation being in the OFF state" denotes not only the output of the electric blower 10 being zero, but also situations including the electric blower 10 operating with an output or a rotation speed lower than that observed "while the air blowing operation is in the ON state".
[0028] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Because steps S1 through S4 in Fig. 5 are the same as steps S1 through S4 in Fig. 4, the explanations thereof will be simplified or omitted. After the human detector 39 detects the presence state in step S2 in Fig. 5, if the UV irradiation is in the ON state while the air blowing operation is also in the ON state in step S3, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S5. In step S5, the controller 22 determines whether or not the human detector 39 has detected the presence state. When the human detector 39 has not detected the presence state, i.e., when the human detector 39 has detected the absence state, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6. In step S6, the controller 22 causes the UV irradiation of the UV irradiator 23 to be in the OFF state and, if the sterilization mode alone is in operation, also causes the air blowing operation of the electric blower 10 to be in the OFF state. As explained herein, when the presence state is detected, and the UV irradiation is turned on, if the absence state is subsequently detected, the UV irradiation is turned off after prescribed time has elapsed. With this configuration, even when the air in the indoor space has not completely been sterilized within the presence state time period, it is possible to enhance hygiene by continuing the sterilization for the prescribed time during the absence. Further, when the sterilization mode alone is in operation, it is desirable to turn ON and OFF the air blowing operation in accordance with the UV irradiation.
[0029] The body temperature detector 12 detects the body temperature of one or more persons present in the indoor space. In accordance with the body temperature of any person in the indoor space, the controller 22 may vary the average output of the UV irradiator 23. A person who has a higher body temperature may have bacteria or a virus that may infect other people. By raising the average output of the UV irradiator 23 when there is any person who has a body temperature higher than a prescribed body temperature, it is possible to reduce infection risks. Further, when there is no longer a person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature, the controller 22 either lowers the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or turns off the UV irradiation, when prescribed time has elapsed.
[0030] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In step S7 in Fig. 6, the body temperature detector 12 detects the body temperature of one or more persons present in the indoor space. The process proceeds from step S7 to step S8. In step S8, the controller 22 determines whether or not there is any person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature. When there is any person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature, the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9. In step S9, the controller 22 raises the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and increases the blown air volume of the electric blower 10.
[0031] The process proceeds from step S9 to step S10. In step S10, the controller 22 determines whether or not there is still any person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature. When there is no longer a person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S11. In step S11, after waiting for the prescribed time to elapse, the controller 22 either causes the UV irradiation of the UV irradiator 23 to be in the OFF state or lowers the average output thereof and either causes the air blowing operation of the electric blower 10 to be in the OFF state or decreases the blown air volume. In this manner, by keeping the UV irradiation for the prescribed time even after there is no longer a person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature, it is possible to enhance hygiene.
[0032] When there is any person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature, because there is a possibility that the person may be spreading, in the air, bacteria or a virus that can infect other people, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 is turned up. By continuing the sterilization for the prescribed time even when there is no longer a person who has a higher body temperature, it is possible to enhance hygiene. In addition, the air blowing operation is also continued for the prescribed time. With these arrangements, it is possible to enhance hygiene, to inhibit deterioration of the UV light source, and to reduce radiation exposure risks of human bodies. Further, in step S10, when there is still any person who has a body temperature higher than the prescribed body temperature, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S12. In step S12, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 is maintained, while the blown air volume of the electric blower 10 is also maintained. The process returns from step S12 to step S10.
[0033] The human identifier 13 identifies one or more persons present in the indoor space. The body temperature detector 12 detects the body temperature of the one or more individuals identified by the human identifier 13. The controller 22 may store therein a normal body temperature of each individual, by recording a body temperature every day of the one or more individuals identified by the human identifier 13. When the current body temperature of any of the individuals identified by the human identifier 13 is higher than the normal body temperature of the individual, the controller 22 may raise the average output of the UV irradiator 23. In this manner, by identifying the people and storing the usual body temperatures, it is possible to determine, more accurately, whether the body temperature is higher or lower than the usual body temperature. Consequently, it is possible to enhance hygiene, to inhibit deterioration of the UV light source, and to reduce radiation exposure risks of the human bodies.
[0034] As a method for identifying the people, the human identifier 13 may recognize or record features of the faces, the body shapes, or the like. Further, the human identifier 13 may recognize or record employee cards, business cards, name tags, or the like. Further, the human identifier 13 may record patterns or recognizable objects such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes used for the identification purpose. For example, when an employee card, a business card, a name tag, or the like has a pattern such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the human identifier 13 is able to identify the person. The controller 22 determines whether or not the body temperature of the identified person is higher than a body temperature detected when the person was previously identified.
[0035] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In step S13 in Fig. 7, the human identifier 13 determines whether or not there is any person in the indoor space. When there is any person in the indoor space, the process proceeds from step S13 to step S14. In step S14, the human identifier 13 determines whether or not it is possible to identify who the person present in the indoor space is. When it is possible to identify who the person present in the indoor space is, the process proceeds from step S14 to step S15. In step S15, the controller 22 determines whether or not the current body temperature of the identified individual is higher than the usual body temperature of the individual. When the current body temperature of the identified individual is higher than the usual body temperature of the individual, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S16. In step S16, the controller 22 raises the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and increases the blown air volume of the electric blower 10. A person who has a higher body temperature than usual may be infected by a virus. When such a person is present, by raising the average output of the UV irradiator 23, it is possible to purify the indoor space and to prevent the people in the surroundings from being infected. When the current body temperature of the individual identified in step S14 is not higher than the usual body temperature of the individual, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S17. In step S17, after waiting for the prescribed time to elapse, the controller 22 either causes the UV irradiation of the UV irradiator 23 to be in the OFF state or lowers the average output thereof, and also, either causes the air blowing operation of the electric blower 10 to be in the OFF state or decreases the blown air volume.
[0036] The controller 22 may be configured to raise the average output of the UV irradiator 23 when the detection result of the human detector 39 has changed from the presence state into the absence state. After the human detector 39 detects the human presence, if the human detector 39 detects the absence, the controller 22 may, when the prescribed time has elapsed, raise the average output of the UV irradiator 23. By raising the average output of the UV irradiator 23 during the absence, it is possible to perform the sterilization in a short period of time, while keeping small radiation exposure risks of human bodies. After the sterilization is performed for the prescribed time, the controller 22 lowers the average output of the UV irradiator 23. With the configuration described above, it is possible to enhance hygiene, to inhibit deterioration of the UV light source, and to reduce radiation exposure risks of human bodies.
[0037] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the process performed by the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a time chart showing an example of changes in the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and an example of changes in the blown air volume of the electric blower 10, which are observed when the flowchart in Fig. 8 is executed.
[0038] In step S18 in Fig. 8, when the human detector 39 confirms that there is any person in the indoor space, the process proceeds from step S18 to step S19. In step S19, the UV irradiator 23 performs the UV irradiation, and the electric blower 10 performs the air blowing operation. When there is any person, to prioritize safety, the controller 22 may set the average output of the UV irradiator 23 to be slightly lower and set the blown air volume of the electric blower 10 to be slightly larger. The process proceeds from step S19 to step S20. In step S20, when the human detector 39 confirms the absence in the indoor space, the process proceeds from step S20 to step S21. In step S21, the controller 22 raises the average output of the UV irradiator 23, and increases the blown air volume of the electric blower 10. As explained herein, when there is no longer a person, the controller 22 exercise control, while prioritizing the sterilization power.
[0039] The process proceeds from step S21 to step S22. In step S22, the controller 22 determines whether or not the prescribed time has elapsed. When the prescribed time has elapsed, the process proceeds from step S22 to step S23. In step S23, the controller 22 lowers the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and decreases the blown air volume of the electric blower 10. The process proceeds from step S23 to step S24. In step S24, the controller 22 determines, again, whether or not the prescribed time has elapsed. When the prescribed time has elapsed, the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25. In step S25, the controller 22 lowers the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and decreases the blown air volume of the electric blower 10. As explained herein, when there is no longer a person, by lowering the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and decreasing the blown air volume of the electric blower 10 as time elapses, it is possible to prolong the product life of the UV light source. In the present disclosure, the blown air volume of the electric blower 10 may simply be referred to as an "air volume".
[0040] With the control shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, while keeping small the impacts that may be imposed on human bodies in case the UV rays leak to the outside of the main body casing 2, it is possible to enhance hygiene by raising the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and the air volume of the electric blower 10, when the presence state has transitioned into the absence state. As explained above, when the absence state has continued for the prescribed time, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 may be lowered, and the air volume of the electric blower 10 may be decreased. As for lowering the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and decreasing the air volume, the lowering may be carried out at once, the lowering may gradually be carried out as time elapses, or the lowering may be carried out at stages. Further, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and the air volume do not necessarily have to be raised and lowered at the same time as each other. It is acceptable to use mutually-different timing. Further, the raising and the lowering of the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and the air volume may be carried out in the opposite directions, e.g., the average output of the UV irradiator 23 may be raised while the air volume is decreased, or the average output of the UV irradiator 23 may be lowered while the air volume is increased. For example, by increasing the air volume while lowering the average output of the UV irradiator 23, it is also possible to maintain or enhance the sterilization capability, while ensuring safety of people. By raising the average output of the UV irradiator 23 while decreasing the air volume, it is possible to maintain or enhance the sterilization capability, while keeping the operation quiet.
[0041] In Fig. 9, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 and the air volume may fluctuate as indicated with the letters "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", "h", "i", "j", "k", "m", and "n".
[0042] The contamination degree detector/estimator 11 detects or estimates a contamination degree of the air in the indoor space. The controller 22 may vary the average output of the UV irradiator 23 in accordance with the contamination degree. The contamination degree detector/estimator 11 may detect the number of people present in the indoor space or may detect the carbon dioxide concentration of the indoor space, for example. The contamination degree detector/estimator 11 may be, for example, a camera, a thermopile, a heat detection sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration detection sensor, or the like. For example, when a large number of people are present in the indoor space, the contamination degree detector/estimator 11 may detect a high contamination degree or estimate that the contamination degree will be high. When the carbon dioxide concentration is high, the contamination degree detector/estimator 11 determines that the contamination degree is high. When the contamination degree detector/estimator 11 either detects a high contamination degree or estimates that the contamination degree will be high, the controller 22 exercises control so as to raise the average output of the UV irradiator 23. On the contrary, when the contamination degree detector/estimator 11 either detects a low contamination degree or estimates that the contamination degree will be low, the controller 22 exercises control so as to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23.
[0043] Further, the air volume may be varied in accordance with the average output of the UV irradiator 23. When a large number of people are present in the indoor space or when the carbon dioxide concentration of the indoor space is high, there is a high risk of a virus infection. Having a high carbon dioxide concentration corresponds to having a large number of people in the indoor space. By raising the average output of the UV irradiator 23 when it is determined that a large number of people are present in the indoor space, it is possible to purify the indoor air. By increasing the air volume together at the time of raising the average output of the UV irradiator 23, it is possible to increase the amount of air to be sterilized and to thus further enhance sterilization efficiency.
[0045] Preferably, the heat sink 28 or the substrate 27 of the UV irradiator 23 is exposed to the internal air passage 5. The temperature detector 14 detects the temperature of the UV irradiator 23. Of the UV irradiator 23, the temperature detector 14 detects, in particular, either the temperature of the substrate 27 or the temperature of the UV light source.
[0046] The air direction changer 15 changes the direction of the air flow AF in the internal air passage 5. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a state after the air direction changer 15 has changed the direction of the air flow AF in the internal air passage 5 so that the air flow AF blows onto the UV irradiator 23 more strongly than shown in Fig. 1.
[0047] The controller 22 may change, via the air direction changer 15, the direction of the air flow AF in the internal air passage 5 in accordance with the temperature of the UV irradiator 23. With this configuration, because it is possible to prevent, with higher certainty, the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 from rising, it is possible to prolong the product life of the UV light source.
[0048] For example, the temperature detector 14 may be implemented by using, for example, an IC sensor, a thermistor, an RTD, a thermocouple, or the like. The air direction changer 15 may be provided so as to be able to change the direction of the air flow flowing through the air inlet 6. For example, the air direction changer 15 may include a plurality of thin plate-like members positioned parallel to one another so as to change the orientations of the thin plate-like members. In the depicted example, the air direction changer 15 is disposed in the vicinity of the air inlet 6; however, the positioning of the air direction changer 15 is not limited to the vicinity of the air inlet 6. It is acceptable to use any configuration and any positional arrangement, as long as the air direction changer 15 is configured and positioned to be able to change how the air blows onto the UV irradiator 23.
[0049] The controller 22 controls the air direction changer 15 in accordance with the detection result of the temperature detector 14. When the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 is higher than a prescribed level, the controller 22 controls the air direction changer 15. When the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 is higher than the prescribed level, the controller 22 controls the air direction changer 15 so that more air blows onto the UV irradiator 23 than when the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 is lower than the prescribed level. When the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 is higher than the prescribed level, the controller 22 controls the air direction changer 15 so that more air blows onto either the heat sink 28 or the substrate 27 than when the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 is lower than the prescribed level. It is also acceptable to control the air direction changer 15 so that the air flow is directed toward the UV irradiator 23.
[0050] In the present disclosure, the efficiency with which the heat of the UV irradiator 23 dissipates will be referred to as "heat dissipation efficiency". In an example, the larger volume of air blows onto the UV irradiator 23, the higher is the heat dissipation efficiency. Fig. 11 is a time chart showing an example of changes in the heat dissipation efficiency of the UV irradiator 23 and an example of changes in the detected temperature of the temperature detector 14, while the controller 22 is controlling the air direction changer 15 in accordance with the detection result of the temperature detector 14.
[0051] The following explanation will be based on the example in Fig. 11. When the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 exceeds a (first) prescribed temperature at a time T1, the controller 22 controls the air direction changer 15 so that more air blows onto the UV irradiator 23. After that, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 becomes lower than a second prescribed temperature at a time T2, the controller 22 may, again, control the air direction changer 15 so as to decrease the volume of the air blowing onto the UV irradiator 23. The second prescribed temperature is lower than the (first) prescribed temperature. The heat dissipation efficiency of the UV irradiator 23 at the time T2 and later may be equal to the heat dissipation efficiency before the time T1 at which the first prescribed temperature was reached. Alternatively, the heat dissipation efficiency of the UV irradiator 23 at the time T2 and later may be higher than the heat dissipation efficiency before the time T1 at which the first prescribed temperature was reached, but lower than the heat dissipation efficiency observed between the time T1 at which the first prescribed temperature was reached and the time T2. In the latter case, it is possible to prevent, with higher certainty, the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 from rising and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty.
[0052] The controller 22 may vary the air volume of the electric blower 10 in accordance with the detection result of the temperature detector 14. The controller 22 may increase the air volume of the electric blower 10, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 is higher than the (first) prescribed temperature. Further, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 exceeds the (first) prescribed temperature, and after the air volume of the electric blower 10 is increased, if the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 becomes lower than the second prescribed temperature, the controller 22 may decrease the air volume of the electric blower 10. The air volume in this situation may be equal to the air volume observed before the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 reached the first prescribed temperature. Alternatively, the air volume may be higher than the air volume observed before the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 reached the first prescribed temperature, but lower than the air volume observed after the temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 reached the first prescribed temperature. In the latter case, it is possible to prevent, with higher certainty, the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 from rising and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty.
[0053] The blower apparatus 1 may include the mover 16 that moves the UV irradiator 23 to a first position and to a second position. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus 1 including the mover 16, while performing an indoor heating operation. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus 1 including the mover 16, while performing an indoor cooling operation. Fig. 14 is a side view of the mover 16.
[0054] In Fig. 12, the UV irradiator 23 is in the first position. The first position is on the air passage from the air inlet 6 to the upper heat exchanger 4. Within the internal air passage 5, the first position is on the air passage upstream of the upper heat exchanger 4. The first position is the same as the position of the UV irradiator 23 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 10.
[0055] In Fig. 13, the UV irradiator 23 is in the second position. The second position is on the air passage from the upper heat exchanger 4 to the air outlet 7. Within the internal air passage 5, the second position is on the air passage downstream of the upper heat exchanger 4.
[0056] The heat dissipation efficiency of the UV irradiator 23 in the first position is different from the heat dissipation efficiency of the UV irradiator 23 in the second position. In some situations, the heat dissipation efficiency levels may be mutually different because the volume of the air blowing onto the UV irradiator 23 in the first position is different from the volume of the air blowing onto the UV irradiator 23 in the second position. In other situations, the heat dissipation efficiency levels may be mutually different because the temperature of the air blowing onto the UV irradiator 23 in the first position is different from the temperature of the air blowing onto the UV irradiator 23 in the second position.
[0057] The controller 22 may move, via the mover 16, the UV irradiator 23 to the first position and to the second position in accordance with the temperature of the UV irradiator 23. For example, when the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 rises, and if the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 exceeds the first prescribed temperature, the UV irradiator 23 may be moved to one of the first and the second positions where the air blows onto the UV irradiator 23 more strongly. With this configuration, it is possible to make the heat dissipation efficiency higher, to prevent the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 from rising with higher certainty, and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty. With the same concept as that in the example of Fig. 11, the controller 22 may move, via the mover 16, the UV irradiator 23 between the first position and the second position, in accordance with the temperature of the UV irradiator 23.
[0058] The controller 22 may move, via the mover 16, the UV irradiator 23 to the first position while the indoor heating operation is performed and may move, via the mover 16, the UV irradiator 23 to the second position while the indoor cooling operation is performed. During the indoor heating operation, the temperature of the air in the first position is lower than the temperature of the air in the second position. During the indoor cooling operation, the temperature of the air in the second position is lower than the temperature of the air in the first position. By moving the UV irradiator 23 to the position having a lower air temperature, it is possible to make the heat dissipation efficiency higher, to lower the temperature of the UV irradiator 23, and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty. The timing of the moving may be at the time of switching between the indoor cooling operation and the indoor heating operation, for example. In an example, when the indoor heating operation is switched into the indoor cooling operation, it is desirable to move the UV irradiator 23 after prescribed time has elapsed. When the power-OFF state or the air blowing operation state is switched into either the indoor heating operation or the indoor cooling operation, it is acceptable to move the UV irradiator 23 immediately. However, when the indoor heating is switched into the indoor cooling operation, it is desirable to move the UV irradiator 23 after prescribed time has elapsed, because moving immediately would mean that the moving destination has a high temperature.
[0059] The direction in which the mover 16 moves the UV irradiator 23 may be along an optical axis direction of the UV irradiator 23 or may be perpendicular to the optical axis. The positions to which the mover 16 moves the UV irradiator 23 may be more than two. For example, the UV irradiator 23 may move on a single axis. For example, the UV irradiator 23 may move in up-and-down directions or horizontal directions. For example, the UV irradiator 23 may move in front-and-back directions or left-and-right directions. In the present embodiment, the UV irradiator 23 moves in the up-and-down directions. For example, the mover 16 may be implemented by using at least one of the following: a linear actuator, a fluid pressure cylinder, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a feed screw, and a link mechanism.
[0060] The blower apparatus 1 may include a plurality of UV irradiators 23. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus 1 including the plurality of UV irradiators 23 while performing an indoor heating operation.
[0061] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the blower apparatus 1 including the plurality of UV irradiators 23 while performing an indoor cooling operation.
[0062] The blower apparatus 1 in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 includes a first UV irradiator 23A and a second UV irradiator 23B, as the plurality of UV irradiators 23. The first UV irradiator 23A and the second UV irradiator 23B may be identical. For the first UV irradiator 23A and the second UV irradiator 23B, it is possible to use mutually the same light source, wavelength, specification, model number, and/or the like. The first UV irradiator 23A is disposed in the air passage from the air inlet 6 to the upper heat exchanger 4. In other words, the first UV irradiator 23A is disposed in the abovementioned first position. The second UV irradiator 23B is disposed in the air passage from the upper heat exchanger 4 to the air outlet 7. In other words, the second UV irradiator 23B is disposed in the abovementioned second position. Also, the first UV irradiator 23A is disposed on the upstream side of at least one of the upper heat exchanger 8 and the lower heat exchanger 9.
[0063] Further, the second UV irradiator 23B is disposed on the downstream side of at least one of the upper heat exchanger 8 and the lower heat exchanger 9. In an example, the first UV irradiator 23A may be disposed on the upstream side of the upper heat exchanger 8 and the lower heat exchanger 9. In an example, the second UV irradiator 23B may be disposed on the downstream side of the upper heat exchanger 8 and the lower heat exchanger 9.
[0064] The controller 22 may be configured to cause the first UV irradiator 23A to turn on the light and to cause the second UV irradiator 23B to turn off the light while the indoor heating operation is performed and to cause the first UV irradiator 23A to turn off the light and to cause the second UV irradiator 23B to turn on the light while the indoor cooling operation is performed. During the indoor heating operation, the temperature of the air in the position of the first UV irradiator 23A is lower than the temperature of the air in the position of the second UV irradiator 23B. During the indoor cooling operation, the temperature of the air in the position of the second UV irradiator 23B is lower than the temperature of the air in the position of the first UV irradiator 23A. By causing the light to be turned on by the UV irradiator 23 having the lower air temperature between the first UV irradiator 23A and the second UV irradiator 23B, and causing the light to be turned off by the UV irradiator 23 having the higher air temperature, it is possible to make the heat dissipation efficiency higher, to lower the temperature of the UV irradiator 23, and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty. Further, as mentioned earlier, the "UV irradiator 23 turning off the light" denotes not only the average output of the UV irradiator 23 being zero, but also situations including the UV irradiator 23 operating with a lower average output than that observed "while the UV irradiation is in the ON state" or "while the UV irradiator 23 has the light turned on". In other words, the first UV irradiator 23A and the second UV irradiator 23B may both have the light turned on. In that situation, by ensuring that the average output of the UV irradiator 23 having a higher air temperature is lower than the average output of the UV irradiator 23 having a lower air temperature, it is possible to make the heat dissipation efficiency higher, to lower the temperature of the UV irradiator 23, and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty.
[0065] The blower apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may include a heat source (not shown) disposed in the internal air passage 5. For example, the heat source may be an electric heater, an electric heating wire, a heat generating member, or the like.
[0066] The heat source may include a heat exchanger. The blower apparatus 1 including the heat source may perform a warm air operation in which warm air heated by the heat source blows out through the air outlet 7. In place of the control exercised during the abovementioned indoor heating operation, the controller 22 may, during the warm air operation, exercise control being the same as or similar to the abovementioned control. The temperature of the air becomes higher on the downstream or downwind side of the heat source. Also, the temperature of the air in the second position is higher than the temperature of the air in the first position. Furthermore, the temperature of the air in the second position on the downstream or downwind side of the heat source is higher than the temperature of the air in the first position on the upstream or upwind side of the heat source. During the warm air operation, the controller 22 may move, via the mover 16, the UV irradiator 23 to the first position. Also, during the warm air operation, the controller 22 may be configured to cause the first UV irradiator 23A to turn on the light and to cause the second UV irradiator 23B to turn off the light. As another example, during the warm air operation, the controller 22 may be configured to cause the average output of the second UV irradiator 23B to be lower than the average output of the first UV irradiator 23A or to cause the second UV irradiator 23B to turn off the light. With this configuration, it is possible to make the heat dissipation efficiency higher, to lower the temperatures of the UV irradiator 23, the first UV irradiator 23A, and the second UV irradiator 23B, and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty.
[0067] The blower apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may include a cold source (not shown) disposed in the internal air passage 5. The cold source is defined as a term paired with the heat source. For example, the cold source may be provided with ice, dry ice, water, a cold pack, a cooling member, or the like or may be cooled electrically by a Peltier module or the like. The cold source may include a heat exchanger. The blower apparatus 1 including the cold source may perform a cool air operation in which cool air cooled by the cold source blows out through the air outlet 7. In place of the control exercised during the abovementioned indoor cooling operation, the controller 22 may, during the cool air operation, exercise control being the same as or similar to the abovementioned control. The temperature of the air becomes lower on the downstream or downwind side of the cold source.
Also, the temperature of the air in the second position is lower than the temperature of the air in the first position. Furthermore, the temperature of the air in the second position on the downstream or downwind side of the cold source is lower than the temperature of the air in the first position on the upstream or upwind side of the cold source. During the cool air operation, the controller 22 may move, via the mover 16, the UV irradiator 23 to the second position. Also, during the cool air operation, the controller 22 may be configured to cause the first UV irradiator 23A to turn off the light and to cause the second UV irradiator 23B to turn on the light. With this configuration, it is possible to make the heat dissipation efficiency higher, to lower the temperatures of the UV irradiator 23, the first UV irradiator 23A, and the second UV irradiator 23B, and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty.
[0068] Further, the blower apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may include a plurality of temperature detectors 14. For example, the plurality of temperature detectors 14 included in the blower apparatus 1 may detect the temperature of the first UV irradiator 23A and the temperature of the second UV irradiator 23B. The blower apparatus 1 may include a first temperature detector 14A that detects the temperature of the first UV irradiator 23A and a second temperature detector 14B that detects the temperature of the second UV irradiator 23B.
[0069] In accordance with the detection result of the one or more temperature detectors 14, the controller 22 may, by combining the techniques previously described, control the average output of the first UV irradiator 23A and the average output of the second UV irradiator 23B. In that situation, the controller 22 may ensure that the average output of the UV irradiator 23 having a relatively or absolutely higher air temperature is lower than the average output of the other UV irradiator 23. In another example, the controller 22 may ensure that the average output of the UV irradiator 23 having a relatively or absolutely higher temperature detected by the temperature detector 14 is lower than the average output of the other UV irradiator 23. Being relatively higher/lower is determined by comparing the temperature of the first UV irradiator 23A detected by the first temperature detector 14A with the temperature of the second UV irradiator 23B detected by the second temperature detector 14B and checking to see if the temperature difference is larger than a prescribed value or what the temperature ratio is.
[0070] While the indoor heating operation, the indoor cooling operation, the warm air operation, or the cool air operation is performed, the controller 22 may be configured to vary the average output of the second UV irradiator 23B, in accordance with the temperature of the second UV irradiator 23B detected by the second temperature detector 14B. In another example, while the indoor heating operation, the indoor cooling operation, the warm air operation, or the cool air operation is performed, the controller 22 may be configured to vary at least one of the average output of the second UV irradiator 23B and the average output of the first UV irradiator 23A, in accordance with the temperature of the second UV irradiator 23B detected by the second temperature detector 14B and the temperature of the first UV irradiator 23A detected by the first temperature detector 14A.
[0071] With any of the control described above, it is possible to make the heat dissipation efficiency higher, to lower the temperatures of the UV irradiators 23, and to thus prolong the product life of the UV light sources. Further, when controlling the average output of the first UV irradiator 23A and the average output of the second UV irradiator 23B, the controller 22 may lower the average output of one of the two, while raising the average output of the other. Preferably, it is desirable when the controller 22 raises the average output of the other to an extent that the product life of the UV light source is not very much affected. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the sterilization capability from being degraded.
[0072] Further, when the indoor cooling operation, the cool air operation, the indoor heating operation, or the warm air operation has been switched into another operation, or when the detection result of any of the temperature detector 14, the first temperature detector 14A, and the second temperature detector 14B has changed, the controller 22 may change the average output of any of the UV irradiator 23, the first UV irradiator 23A, and the second UV irradiator 23B, as appropriate. With this configuration, it is possible to prolong the product life of the UV light source with higher certainty.
[0073] Next, the blower apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be further explained, while focusing on the UV irradiator 23, in particular. The UV irradiator 23 includes the light source 24 that generates light. The UV irradiator 23 irradiates the internal air passage 5 with the light generated by the light source 24.
[0074] The UV irradiator 23 emits ultraviolet rays. The term "UV" stands for ultraviolet. In other words, the UV irradiator 23 is an apparatus that emits ultraviolet rays. Generally speaking, ultraviolet ray is a generic term for light having a shorter wavelength than visible light and denotes an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength approximately in the range of 1 nm to 400 nm. Further, generally speaking, the wavelength band from 100 nm to 280 nm is called UVC; the wavelength band from 280 nm to 315 nm is called UVB; and the wavelength band from 315 nm to 400 is called
UVA.
[0075] In the present disclosure, "microorganisms" include one or both of bacteria and viruses. Some microorganisms are harmful to human bodies. Ultraviolet rays act on microorganisms.
[0076] In the present disclosure, the sterilization using ultraviolet rays denotes acting on deoxyribonucleic acid (hereinafter, "DNA") itself of microorganisms by using optical energy and can be defined as bringing the microorganisms into an inactive state where the microorganisms no longer grow or reducing the number of the microorganisms.
[0077] Further, in the present disclosure, inactivation may be expressed as being substantially equal to sterilization. Generally speaking, it is considered that UVB has a higher capability to inactivate microorganisms than UVA and that UVC has an even higher capability to inactivate microorganisms than UVB. In particular, the wavelengths of UVC have a high capability of directly destructing DNA, which results in a high speed for inactivating microorganisms. Further, within the UVC range, the wavelengths from 200 nm to 285 especially have high sterilization power. More specifically, it is considered that the wavelengths centered on 222 nm and 260 nm have high sterilization power.
[0078] Dominant wavelengths of the UV irradiator 23 are ultraviolet rays. In other words, among the light beams emitted by the UV irradiator 23, ultraviolet rays have the wavelengths yielding the highest output, i.e., radiation intensity. In the present embodiment, by irradiating the surfaces of the internal air passage 5 with the ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiator 23, it is possible to sterilize the microorganisms adhering to the surfaces of the internal air passage 5.
[0079] The light source 24 of the UV irradiator 23 in the present embodiment is a Light Emitting Diode (LED). In other words, the light source 24 is an LED that generates the ultraviolet rays and will be hereinafter referred to as a UV-LED. The UV-LED does not contain mercury. Generally speaking, mercury is toxic and has a negative effect on the environment. Because the UV-LED does not contain mercury, the UV-LED is highly safe and has few risks of imposing adverse impacts on the environment. For example, the UV-LED has a high output in a single wavelength only. Of the light generated by the light source 24, the wavelength having the highest radiation intensity will hereinafter be referred to as a "dominant wavelength". The dominant wavelength of the light generated by the light source 24 may be in the band of any of UVA, UVB, and UVC. In particular, it is desirable when the dominant wavelength of the light generated by the light source 24 is in the UVC range having high sterilization power.
[0080] To increase the sterilization power, it is preferable when the dominant wavelength of the light generated by the light source 24 is in the range of 220 nm to 280 nm. More preferably, it is desirable when the dominant wavelength of the light generated by the light source 24 is in the range of 220 nm to 225 nm or the range of 250 nm to 285 nm. Even more preferably, it is desirable when the dominant wavelength of the light generated by the light source 24 is in the range of 255 nm to 280 nm. Because the abovementioned wavelength ranges have especially high sterilization power, it is possible to efficiently perform the sterilization, in a relatively short time period, or with a relatively low output, or a relatively small number of light sources 24. The same applies to preferable wavelength ranges of the UV lamps described later.
[0081] The light source 24 of the UV irradiator 23 may be a lamp instead of the LED. Further, the light source 24 may contain mercury or may contain no mercury (mercury-free). When mercury is contained, the sterilization power is higher because of higher efficiency and output. In contrast, mercury-free lamps are highly safe and have fewer risks of imposing adverse impacts on the environment.
[0082] Generally speaking, ultraviolet rays have invisible wavelengths. In the present embodiment, the dominant wavelength of the light generated by the light source 24 is a wavelength in the ultraviolet ray range; however, the light generated by the light source 24 may contain wavelengths in the visible light range. For example, the light source 24 may generate blue or purple visible light, together with the ultraviolet rays. The term "visible light" denotes light which the human eye can view. In the present disclosure, a person present in the indoor space may be referred to as an "occupant". For example, when the light beams are emitted from the light source 24, the occupant is able to identify the color of the emitted light. For example, when the occupant looks at the light source 24 or the light beams or when an object is irradiated by the light beams, the occupant is able to identify the color of the emitted light. For example, the occupant is able to identify whether the emitted light is red, blue, or purple. As a result, the occupant is able to determine whether the light source 24 is turned on or off. For example, if the occupant notices that the light source 24 does not have the light on when the light is supposed to be on, a malfunction is suspected. In other words, it is possible to find the malfunction at an early stage. Further, because the UV irradiator 23 can be harmful to human bodies depending on the specification thereof, the light source 24 being on while an occupant is present may not be the original specification. When having such a specification, if the light source 24 is on while the occupant is present, it is possible to reach a decision to stop the use. It is possible to achieve the abovementioned advantageous effects by ensuring that the color of the internal air passage 5 or the color of the light emitted from the UV irradiator 23 while the light source 24 is on is different from the color of the internal air passage 5 or the color of the light emitted from the UV irradiator 23 while the light source 24 is off.
[0083] The blower apparatus 1 includes one or more UV irradiators 23. The blower apparatus 1 may include two or more UV irradiators 23. Further, one UV irradiator 23 may include only one light source 24. One UV irradiator 23 may include a plurality of light sources 24. In another example, a plurality of UV irradiators 23 may include a plurality of light sources 24. When the blower apparatus 1 includes a plurality of light sources 24, the light sources 24 may have mutually the same dominant wavelength. Alternatively, the light sources 24 may have mutually-different dominant wavelengths. It may be possible to keep the unit price low, by using a plurality of light sources 24 having mutually the same dominant wavelength, e.g., a plurality of light sources 24 having mutually the same specification. Further, there is a possibility that the sterilization speed may be higher, when a plurality of light sources 24 having mutually-different dominant wavelengths are used. For example, when three light sources 24 having dominant wavelengths of 260 nm, 265 nm, 275 nm, respectively, are used, it is considered that the sterilization speed will be higher than when three light sources 24 each having a dominant wavelength of 265 nm are used. With this configuration, it is possible to perform the sterilization even more efficiently.
[0084] A member used for passing the light beams emitted from the light source 24 and including the ultraviolet rays is called a window part 26. Details of the window part 26 will be explained later. Both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 are disposed in certain positions that cannot be visually recognized (hereinafter, "seen") in a front view of the external appearance of the blower apparatus 1. Both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 are disposed in certain positions that cannot be seen in a side view of the external appearance of the blower apparatus 1. Both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 are disposed in certain positions that cannot be seen in a top view of the external appearance of the blower apparatus 1. Both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 are disposed in certain positions that cannot be seen in a bottom view of the external appearance of the blower apparatus 1. In the present disclosure, that both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 cannot be seen denotes, in other words, that both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 are disposed in certain positions covered by the main body casing 2. In the present embodiment, in any of the front-face view, the rear-face view, the side view, the top view, and the bottom view of the external appearance of the blower apparatus 1, both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 are covered by the main body casing 2, so that both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 cannot be seen. With this configuration, it is possible to lower the possibility that the occupant may directly view both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26. In addition, it is also possible to reduce the risk of the light beams entering the eyes. A high level of safety is thus achieved.
[0085] The light beams emitted from the light source 24 are arranged so that the region in an upper rear direction from the light source 24 is not irradiated thereby. In other words, the region in the upper rear direction from the light source 24 is not included in the range of a beam angle. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of people in the surroundings being irradiated. In particular, it is possible to reduce the risk of the occupant grasping the blower apparatus 1 being irradiated.
[0086] Both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 may be disposed in certain positions that cannot be seen, in a view in a horizontal direction. Further, both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 may be disposed in certain positions that cannot be seen, in a view from any direction at 0 degrees to 360 degrees in the horizontal direction. In other words, both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 may be covered by the main body casing 2, when the blower apparatus 1 is viewed from any direction perpendicular to a vertical straight line.
[0087] With this configuration, it is possible to lower the possibility that the occupant may directly view both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26. In addition, it is also possible to reduce the risk of the light beams entering the eyes. A high level of safety is thus achieved.
[0088] Further, in the blower apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the light source 24 and the UV irradiator 23 are covered by the main body casing 2 so that the light source 24 and the UV irradiator 23 cannot be seen, even when the blower apparatus 1 is viewed from the outside of the main body casing 2 with a line of sight in any direction within a three-dimensional space. In other words, supposing that the light beams are emitted from the light source 24 or the UV irradiator 23 in every direction within the three-dimensional space, the light source 24 and the UV irradiator 23 are covered by the main body casing 2 so that there is no light beam that directly exits to the outside of the main body casing 2 from the light source 24. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of the light beams from the light source 24 entering the eyes, with higher certainty. An even higher level of safety is thus achieved.
[0089] Further, in the blower apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the light source 24 is covered by the main body casing 2 so that the light source 24 cannot be seen, even when the blower apparatus 1 is viewed from the outside of the main body casing 2 with a line of sight in any direction within the three-dimensional space. In other words, supposing that the light beams are emitted from the light source 24 in every direction within the three-dimensional space, the light source 24 is covered by the main body casing 2 so that there is no light beam that directly exits to the outside of the main body casing 2 from the light source 24. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of the light beams from the light source 24 entering the eyes, with higher certainty. An even higher level of safety is thus achieved.
[0090] Further, both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 do not necessarily need to be disposed in the abovementioned certain positions that cannot be seen from any direction. However, it is desirable to dispose, as much as possible, both the light source 24 and the window part 26 or one of the light source 24 and the window part 26 in certain positions that are difficult to be seen.
[0091] In the present embodiment, the light source 24 has a cuboidal shape, for example. The shape of the light source 24 in the present disclosure is not particularly limited and may be a circular cylindrical shape or a bullet-like shape, for example. The bullet-like shape refers to a shape in which, for example, a hemispherical shape is combined with a circular cylindrical shape.
[0092] The light source 24 emits innumerable light beams radially while the optical axis is at the center. When the light source 24 has a cuboidal shape, for example, the optical axis extends in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the cuboid. When the cuboid has three directions such as a width direction, a depth direction, and the thickness direction, the thickness direction refers to the direction having the smallest dimension. For example, the beam angle of the light source 24 may be in the range of 30 degrees to 150 degrees or may be 360 degrees. The beam angle of the light source 24 may be, preferably, in the range of 50 degrees to 140 degrees. When the beam angle is 30 degrees, for example, as the beams are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the beams are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees on either side of the optical axis. For example, when the radiation intensity in the optical axis direction is expressed as 100%, the beam angle denotes the angle at which the radiation intensity is equal to 50%. For example, when the beam angle is 30 degrees, it means that, as the beams are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the radiation intensity in the position at an angle of 15 degrees on one side of the optical axis is equal to 50% of the radiation intensity in the optical axis direction. When the beam angle is too small, there is a possibility that the internal air passage 5 may be irradiated only partially. When the beam angle is too wide, there is a possibility that the irradiation amount to the outside of the internal air passage 5 may be too large. Accordingly, it is desirable when the beam angle is not too small and not too large.
[0093] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 19 is a front view of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 20 is a rear view of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, being sectioned at the line B-B in Fig. 19.
[0094] As shown in Fig. 17 to Fig. 21, the UV irradiator 23 includes, in addition to the light source 24, a case 25, the window part 26, the substrate 27, the heat sink 28, a spacer 29, a sealing member 30, fastening members 31, and a wiring 32. The component parts of the UV irradiator 23 are not limited to these examples and may be omitted, added, or substituted as appropriate.
[0095] The case 25 is a component part representing the external appearance of the UV irradiator 23. The case 25 has an opening in the position to which the window part 26 is attached. The light source 24 is installed on the substrate 27. With the electricity supplied from the substrate 27 to the light source 24, the light source 24 emits the light. The window part 26 protects the light source 24. The window part 26 covers the light source 24 from the opposite side of the substrate 27. After the light generated by the light source 24 passes through the window part 26, the air flowing through the internal air passage 5 and the surfaces of the internal air passage 5 are irradiated therewith.
[0096] The heat sink 28 is used for dissipating the heat of the light source 24 and the substrate 27 heated due to the light emission. The heat sink 28 in the depicted example has fins for increasing surface areas. The spacer 29 is used for keeping a distance between the window part 26 and the light source 24. The spacer 29 is disposed between the substrate 27 and the window part 26.
[0097] The sealing member 30 is a member that keeps airtightness and liquid-tightness by sealing the gap between the case 25 and the window part 26, for example. The fastening members 31 are used for fixing the positions or positional relationships of a plurality of members. It is desirable when the fastening members 31 can freely be attached to and detached from either the UV irradiator 23 or the internal air passage 5. The fastening members 31 may be used for fixing the UV irradiator 23 either to the blower apparatus 1 or to the internal air passage 5. The fastening members 31 may be used for fixing at least one of the case 25, the heat sink 28, and the substrate 27 either to the blower apparatus 1 or to the internal air passage 5. The fastening members 31 may be used for fastening together the case 25, the substrate 27, and the heat sink 28, so as to fix the positions thereof. The fastening members 31 may be used for fastening together the case 25 and the heat sink 28, so as to fix the positions thereof. For instance, the fastening members 31 may be screws as shown in the depicted example. The wiring 32 is used for connecting the substrate 27 to a power source unit.
[0098] The UV irradiator 23 may include a cooling unit, in place of the heat sink 28 or in addition to the heat sink 28. The cooling unit is, for example, a blower apparatus such as a fan.
[0099] As shown in Fig. 21, the window part 26 is positioned at an interval from the light source 24. The interval may be a distance approximately in the range of 0.1 mm to 50 mm, for example. The window part 26 protects the light source 24.
[0100] The window part 26 in the depicted example has a disc shape or a circular plate-like shape. In a modification example, the window part 26 may have a cuboidal shape or a lens-like shape, for instance. When having a lens-like shape, the window part 26 is able to condense the light radiated from the light source 24 and to achieve a relatively small beam angle.
[0101] The window part 26 is structured to have a small thickness. However, it is desirable to ensure that the window part 26 is thick enough to withstand vibration that may occur during the operation of the blower apparatus 1 and impacts that may occur during cleaning or maintenance of the blower apparatus 1. Generally speaking, when the thickness of the window part 26 becomes larger, the transmittance thereof tends to be lower. For this reason, the thickness of the window part 26 is approximately in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, for example. Preferably, the thickness of the window part 26 is approximately in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.
[0102] The window part 26 has an incident face, an exit face, and a circumferential face. The incident face is the face through which the light beams from the light source 24 become incident. The exit face is the face on the opposite side of the incident face. The exit face is the face through which the light having become incident through the incident face exits, either toward facing surfaces of the internal air passage 5 or toward the air flowing through the internal air passage 5. The circumferential face is the face positioned lateral to the incident face. The circumferential face is the face positioned lateral to the exit face. The incident face may be parallel to the exit face. The circumferential face may be perpendicular to the incident face and the exit face. The direction extending from the incident face to the exit face corresponds to the thickness direction. It is desirable when the dimension of the window part 26 in the thickness direction is, for example, in the abovementioned range (0.5 mm to 3 mm or 1 mm to 2 mm).
[0103] When the window part 26 has a lens-like shape, the faces having lens-like curved surfaces serve as the incident face and the exit face. Further, when the window part 26 has a lens-like shape, the window part 26 has a central axis extending through the convex part thereof. The central axis of the window part 26 or an imaginary extension line from the central axis intersects the light source 24. In other words, the lens-like window part 26 and the light source 24 are positioned on a single straight line. The central axis of the window part 26 or the imaginary extension line from the central axis may go through another window part. In other words, the lens-like window part 26 and the other window part may be positioned on a single straight line.
[0104] It is desirable when a light emission face of the light source 24 is parallel to the incident face of the window part 26. When the light emission face of the light source 24 is not parallel to the incident face of the window part 26, there is a possibility that the transmittance may become low, and the luminosity of the internal air passage 5 irradiated with the light from the exit face of the window part 26 may become low. When the light emission face of the light source 24 is parallel to the incident face of the window part 26, it is possible to prevent the transmittance from becoming low, with certainty.
[0105] The light emission face of the light source 24 is provided in a position close to the incident face of the window part 26. Because the light beams from the light source 24 advance radially, making the distance between the light source 24 and the incident face of the window part 26 longer has a possibility of increasing the light beams not entering the window part 26. As a result, the luminosity of the irradiated internal air passage 5 may become low. In order to cause all the light beams from the light source 24 to become incident to the window part 26, it is necessary to make the size of the window part 26 larger as the distance between the light source 24 and the window part 26 becomes longer. When the distance between the light source 24 and the window part 26 is short, because it is possible to cause all or a large part of the light beams from the light source 24 to become incident to the window part 26 even when the size of the window part 26 is small, it is possible to keep the luminosity of the internal air passage 5 high.
[0106] The window part 26 is produced by using a material that passes, among the ultraviolet rays generated by the light source 24, ultraviolet rays having at least a part of the wavelengths. It is desirable to produce the window part 26 by using a material having a high ultraviolet ray transmittance. The transmittance denotes a percentage by which incident light having specific wavelengths passes through the window part 26. Parts of the incident light that did not pass are either reflected or absorbed by the window part 26. The sum of the transmittance, reflectivity, and absorptivity is equal to 100%. For example, the transmittance of the window part 26 for the wavelengths of UVA or UVB is preferably 80% or higher, and more preferably, 90% or higher. For example, the transmittance of the window part 26 for a large part of the wavelengths of UVA and UVB is preferably 80% or higher, and more preferably, 90% or higher. Also, for example, regarding UVC, the transmittance of the window part 26 for the wavelengths equal to or higher than 200 nm is preferably 80% or higher, and more preferably, 90% or higher. Furthermore, regarding UVC, the transmittance of the window part 26 for a large part of the wavelengths equal to or higher than 200 nm is preferably 80% or higher, and more preferably, 90% or higher. Additionally, the transmittance of the window part 26 for the wavelengths in the range of 250 nm to 285 nm is preferably 80% or higher, and more preferably, 90% or higher. Further, the transmittance of the window part 26 for a large part of the wavelengths in the range of 250 nm to 285 nm is preferably 80% or higher, and more preferably, 90% or higher. Furthermore, the transmittance of the window part 26 for the dominant wavelength of the light source 24 is preferably 80% or higher, and more preferably, 90% or higher.
[0107] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Either the blower apparatus 1 or the UV irradiator 23 includes screws 33. The screws 33 correspond to fastening members for fixing the UV irradiator 23 onto the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The UV irradiator 23 is detachably fixed to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, by using fastening members that can freely be attached and detached such as the screws 33. As long as the fastening members can freely be attached and detached, it is acceptable to fix the UV irradiator 23 onto the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 by using fastening members other than the screws 33. In the example in Fig. 22, the UV irradiator 23 in installed in such a manner that the window part 26 and a part of the case 25 corresponding to a window frame of the window part 26 are exposed to the internal air passage 5, through an opening 3j formed in the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 has a boss 3k projecting from a rear face opposite from a front face facing the internal air passage 5. As a result of the screws 33 fastening the case 25 onto the boss 3k, the UV irradiator 23 is fixed to the internal air passage 5.
[0108] One UV irradiator 23 may include a plurality of window parts 26. The plurality of window parts 26 may be positioned parallel to one another or may be positioned substantially parallel to one another. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification example of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The UV irradiator 23 shown in Fig. 23 includes a first window part 26a and a second window part 26b. The first window part 26a and the second window part 26b correspond to the plurality of window parts 26. The first window part 26a covers the light source 24. The second window part 26b covers the first window part 26a.
[0109] The light source 24, the first window part 26a, and the second window part 26b are positioned on a single straight line.
[0111] Preferably, the incident face of the first window part 26a is positioned parallel to the light emission face of the light source 24. For example, the first window part 26a and the second window part 26b are each arranged in a position that intersects either the optical axis of the light source 24 or an imaginary extension line of the optical axis. At least one of the plurality of window parts 26 included in one UV irradiator 23 may have a lens-like shape. The first window part 26a is positioned closer to the light source 24 than the second window part 26b is. The second window part 26b is positioned farther from the light source 24 than the first window part 26a is. In collaboration with the sealing member 30, the second window part 26b prevents water and unwanted substances from entering the inside of the UV irradiator 23 and the inside of the main body casing 2. Further, the second window part 26b has a function of preventing a human hand and the like from coming into contact with the light source 24. The first window part 26a has a function of preventing water, unwanted substances, a human hand, and the like from coming into contact with the light source 24. Also, the first window part 26a has a function of protecting the light source 24.
[0112] As long as the abovementioned sealing property is maintained, it is desirable when one UV irradiator 23 includes only one window part 26. A part of the light beams is either reflected or absorbed by the window part 26. For this reason, it is possible to perform the ultraviolet ray irradiation more efficiently when the number of the window parts 26 is smaller. In particular, when there is only one window part 26, it is possible to perform the ultraviolet ray irradiation even more efficiently.
[0113] The window part 26 may have a characteristic where ultraviolet rays having short wavelengths are not passed. Further, the window part 26 may have a characteristic where ultraviolet rays having short wavelengths are not passed, by using a filter or a band-pass filter. The window part 26 may have a characteristic where, for example, wavelengths equal to or lower than 180 nm are not passed. Also, the window part 26 may have a characteristic where, for example, wavelengths equal to or lower than 150 nm are not passed. Ultraviolet rays having short wavelengths have a possibility of imposing adverse impacts on human bodies. By using the window part 26 having the characteristic where the ultraviolet rays having short wavelengths are not passed, a higher level of safety is achieved.
[0114] It is desirable to produce the window part 26 by using a material having high UV transmissivity. For example, the window part 26 may be made of quartz glass. In an example, the window part 26 may be synthetic quartz glass. For example, the window part 26 may be made of UV cut glass that cuts a part of the UV rays. In another example, the window part 26 may be produced by using a resin material having high UV transmissivity. For instance, the window part 26 may be made of fluorocarbon resin. Examples of the fluorocarbon resin include PFA, FEP, ETFE, and PCTFE.
[0115] On at least one of the incident face and the exit face of the window part 26, an anti-reflection layer may be formed. The anti-reflection layer is for preventing the light from the light source becoming incident to the incident face from being reflected and is generally called Anti Reflection (AR) coating. Because anti-reflection layers are based on publicly known techniques, explanations of the working thereof will be omitted. The light that has not been reflected is either passed or absorbed. For example, a large part of the light that has not been reflected is passed, whereas a certain part is absorbed. For example, when the transmittance of quartz glass for the UVB range is 90%, if one of the faces is treated with the anti-reflection layer treatment, the transmittance will be 94%, and if both of the faces are each treated with the anti-reflection layer, the transmittance will be approximately 98%. Accordingly, by providing the window part 26 with the anti-reflection layer, it is possible to perform the ultraviolet ray irradiation more efficiently. Besides the quarts glass, it is acceptable to treat any of the materials used in the window part 26 with an anti-reflection layer. For example, the treatment using an anti-reflection layer may be applied to fluorocarbon resin, which has a higher transmittance than other commonly-used materials but has a lower transmittance than quartz glass. With this configuration, it is also possible to enhance the transmittance while keeping the costs low.
[0116] For example, the window part 26 is produced by using a transparent material, a translucent material, or a material having high transparency. For example, the window part 26 may be produced by using a material having a higher UV transmittance than a large part of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. In an example, the window part 26 may be produced by using a material having a higher UV transmittance than, of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, a large part of the section facing the internal air passage 5.
[0117] Further, the window part 26 may be treated with a filter for reducing radiation intensities of specific wavelengths. For example, the filter may be a bandpass filter. In an example, the window part 26 may be treated with the filter for the purpose of reducing wavelengths harmful to human bodies.
[0118] Of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, the window part 26 is disposed in a position close to a surface facing the internal air passage 5. In collaboration with the fastening members 31 or the case 25, the window part 26 may be configured to increase airtightness with the internal air passage 5. The window part 26 may be positioned so that the thickness direction or the central axis thereof is parallel to the horizontal direction. In another example, the window part 26 may be positioned so that the thickness direction or the central axis thereof is not parallel to the horizontal direction. In that situation, it is desirable to position the window part 26 in a tilted posture, so that the upper side of the window part 26 is positioned closer to the internal air passage 5 side than the lower side of the window part 26 is. In other words, it is desirable when the optical axis of the light source 24 is also tilted.
[0119] In that situation, the optical axis of the light source 24 is tilted downward from a horizontal line. Accordingly, it is possible to emit the ultraviolet rays toward a slightly lower side of the internal air passage 5 and to prevent the light beams from leaking upward.
[0120] The window part 26 may be fixed by being fitted to an opening provided in the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The surface of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 in which the window part 26 is disposed may be substantially on the same plane as the window part 26. In other words, the window part 26 may be disposed in a position recessed from the surface of the wall part 3 positioned around the window part 26 or in a position recessed with a step. With this configuration, even when a hand is inserted into the internal air passage 5, because the window part 26 cannot easily be touched by the hand, the window part 26 is easily protected from damage.
[0121] The case 25 represents the external appearance of the UV irradiator 23.
Disposed between the case 25 and the heat sink 28 are the sealing member 30, the window part 26, the light source 24, the spacer 29, and the substrate 27. The case 25 is disposed so as to be in contact with the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The case 25 may be fixed so as to be in contact with the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 via the fastening members 31. The case 25 may be fixed to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 without being intermediated by the fastening members 31. For example, the case 25 may be fixed to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, by using a technique called press fit or snap fit. In another example, the case 25 may be fixed to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, as a result of a male screw provided on the outer circumference of the case 25 being screwed together with a female screw provided on the inner circumference of an opening formed in the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0122] The UV irradiator 23 does not necessarily need to include the case 25. One or more component parts of the UV irradiator 23 other than the case 25 may be fixed to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The case 25 may be disposed in a position corresponding to the surface of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 or may be disposed in a position deeper than the surface of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. For example, as compared to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 positioned in the surroundings of the case 25, the case 25 may be disposed in a position equally distant from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 or in a position slightly more distant from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. With this configuration, even when the occupant puts his/her hand in the internal air passage 5, hygiene is maintained because the case 25 has a low possibility of being touched by the hand. The case 25 has an opening in the vicinity of the center thereof. The opening is for passing the light emitted from the light source 24. The case 25 may have a groove for fixing the sealing member 30. As a result of the sealing member 30 being fitted into the groove, the position of the sealing member 30 in the circumferential direction is determined.
[0123] The fastening members 31 included in the UV irradiator 23 may be screws, for example. Other members besides screws may be used as the fastening members 31. The fastening members 31 are used for fixing the UV irradiator 23 onto the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, for example.
[0124] In the present disclosure, a sealing member may be provided for filling the gap between the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and the UV irradiator 23. This sealing member and the aforementioned sealing member 30 may hereinafter collectively be referred to as the "sealing member 30". For example, the sealing member 30 is implemented by using a material softer than the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. For example, the sealing member 30 is implemented by using a material softer than a large part of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0125] The sealing member 30 may be a component part that is generally called a washer, an O-ring, a gasket, or the like. For example, the sealing member 30 may be made of a soft material such as rubber, silicone, elastomer, or the like. The sealing member 30 may be a component part integrally formed with the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 through an insert molding process. Via the fastening members 31, the UV irradiator 23 is fixed to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. Two or more sealing members 30 may be provided. For example, the sealing member 30 may be interposed between the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and the case 25 for the purpose of sealing together the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and the case 25. In another example, the sealing member 30 may be interposed between the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and the window part 26 for the purpose of sealing together the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and the window part 26. In yet another example, the sealing member 30 may be interposed between the case 25 and the window part 26 for the purpose of sealing together the case 25 and the window part 26. When the UV irradiator 23 is fixed by the fastening members 31, a cross-section of the sealing member 30 is slightly crushed. For instance, the cross-sectional area of the sealing member 30 is reduced by approximately 10% to 20%, for example, due to compression. Because the sealing member 30 is deformed in this manner, the sealing property is enhanced. If the sealing member 30 were not provided, water might seep into the inside of the main body casing 2 or the inside of the UV irradiator 23, through a small gap between the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and the UV irradiator 23. If the sealing member 30 were not provided, water might seep into the inside of the main body casing 2 or the inside of the UV irradiator 23, through a small gap between the case 25 and the window part 26. When water adheres to the UV irradiator 23, there is a possibility of a malfunction. By using the sealing member 30 described above, it is possible to prevent water from seeping through.
[0126] The heat sink 28 is used for cooling the substrate 27 and the light source 24 by dissipating the heat thereof so as to prevent the temperatures thereof from increasing. The heat sink 28 is attached to a face of the substrate 27 opposite from the light source 24 or to the vicinity of the face. The heat sink 28 is fixed so as to be in direct or indirect contact with the substrate 27. At least a part of the substrate 27 or at least a part of the heat sink 28 may be positioned so as to be exposed to the internal air passage 5. With this configuration, it is possible to cool the substrate 27 or the heat sink 28 with the air flow caused while the blower apparatus 1 is working. As a result, in addition to the heat dissipation of the heat sink 28 caused by natural convection at normal times, it is possible to further enhance the heat dissipation efficiency with forced convection while the blower apparatus 1 is in operation. Further, it is also acceptable to cool the substrate 27 or the heat sink 28, by causing the electric blower 10 to perform a gentle breeze operation. As means for adjusting the air volume, it is desirable to use a brushless motor as the motor of the electric blower 10, because the air volume can easily be controlled.
[0127] The substrate 27 is for causing the light source 24 to emit the light. The substrate 27 is electrically connected to the light source 24. The substrate 27 is electrically connected to the power source unit. The substrate 27 may have a plate-like shape. For example, the optical axis of the light source 24 is positioned perpendicular to the substrate 27. To the substrate 27, various types of other electronic component parts or electric component parts may be connected. The substrate 27 may be firm to an extent that the substrate 27 is not deformed when an external force is applied thereto, e.g., when a force is applied by one hand. Alternatively, the substrate 27 may have rigidity to an extent that the substrate 27 is deformed when a force is applied by one hand. In another example, the substrate 27 may have rigidity to an extent that the substrate 27 gets curved by the weight of its own. For example, when a part of the substrate 27 has a thickness equal to or smaller than 1 mm, that part has low rigidity. For example, when a part of the substrate 27 has a thickness equal to or smaller than 0.1 mm, that part has even lower rigidity. Further, when the substrate 27 is shaped to have an incision, the rigidity is low. A part of the substrate 27 may be a film-like thin part. With this configuration, the substrate 27 can easily be deformed and is able to maintain a bent state.
[0128] For example, when two light sources 24 are provided on a single flat substrate 27, the optical axes of the light sources 24 are positioned parallel to each other. However, in order to emit ultraviolet rays into a wide range of the internal air passage 5, the emission can be more efficient by arranging the optical axes of the two light sources 24 to be not parallel to each other. In that situation, the optical axes of the two light sources 24 can be arranged so as not to be parallel to each other by installing one light source 24 on each substrate 27 and arranging the two substrates 27 at mutually-different angles. For example, when the substrate 27 has low rigidity as mentioned above, it is possible to use the substrate 27, while in a bent state, as one component part of the UV irradiator 23. With this configuration, it is possible to dispose the plurality of light sources 24 on the single substrate 27, while arranging the optical axes of the plurality of light sources 24 to be in mutually-different directions. As a result, it is possible to reduce the quantity of the substrates 27, which can lead to saving space.
[0129] The spacer 29 has a function of keeping the distance constant between the substrate 27 and the window part 26. The spacer 29 is implemented by using a resin material or a metal material, for example. The spacer 29 may have a hollow circular cylindrical shape or a hollow rectangular cylindrical shape. The spacer 29 may have substantially the same exterior shape as the window part 26. For example, when the window part 26 has a circular exterior shape, the spacer 29 may have a hollow circular cylindrical shape. In another example, when the window part 26 has a cuboidal exterior shape, the spacer 29 may have a hollow rectangular cylindrical shape. The substrate 27 is in contact with the side of one end of the spacer 29. The window part 26 is in contact with the side of the other end of the spacer 29.
[0130] The spacer 29 has a thickness direction, a width direction, and a length direction. When the spacer 29 has a hollow circular cylindrical shape, the dimension of the spacer 29 in the width direction is equal to the dimension of the spacer 29 in the length direction. The dimension of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction is smaller than the dimension of the spacer 29 in the width direction and is smaller than the dimension of the spacer 29 in the length direction. For example, among three axes in an x-direction a y-direction, and a z-direction that are orthogonal to one another, the dimension in a direction exhibiting the smallest dimension corresponds to the dimension of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the spacer 29 has opposing faces. The dimension of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction is larger than the dimension of the light source 24 in the thickness direction. The spacer 29 has an axis along the thickness direction. It is desirable when the axis of the spacer 29 extends parallel to the optical axis of the light source 24. The axis of the spacer 29 may be a central axis thereof. Further, it is desirable to position the light source 24 and the spacer 29 in such a manner that an imaginary extension line of the optical axis of the light source 24 and an imaginary extension line of the axis in the thickness direction of the spacer 29 go through the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 that is facing. The spacer 29 may have a hollow shape, so that the light source 24 is disposed inside the spacer 29, i.e., in the hollow part of the spacer 29. It is desirable to position the light source 24 and the spacer 29 in such a manner that the thickness direction of the spacer 29 is the same as or substantially the same as the thickness direction of the light source 24. One face of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction corresponds to the face positioned closer to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, whereas the other face opposing the one face corresponds to the face positioned farther from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The spacer 29 and the light source 24 are in contact with the substrate 27. The face of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction farther from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and a face of the light source 24 in the thickness direction farther from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 are in contact with the substrate 27. In other words, the face of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction farther from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 and the face of the light source 24 in the thickness direction farther from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 are positioned on mutually the same plane or on substantially mutually the same plane. As a result of a combination of this configuration and the fact that the dimension of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction is larger than the dimension of the light source 24 in the thickness direction, the face of the spacer 29 in the thickness direction closer to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 is positioned closer to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 than the face of the light source 24 in the thickness direction closer to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 is. Consequently, the light beams emitted from the light source 24 collide with and are reflected by the spacer 29 on the front side of the face of the light source 24 in the thickness direction positioned closer to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0131] The light source 24 is installed on a surface of the substrate 27. The light source 24 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the substrate 27, the window part 26, and the spacer 29. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent, with higher certainty, the light source 24 from being damaged by impacts from the outside of the light source 24. The spacer 29 may be implemented by using a material having high ultraviolet ray reflectivity. Of the light generated by the light source 24, the spacer 29 may be configured to reflect at least the light having the dominant wavelength. For example, when the spacer 29 has low reflectivity (e.g., when the spacer 29 has high absorptivity), a part of the light beams are absorbed by the spacer 29, and the luminosity of the light beams reaching the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 may become low. In another example, when the spacer 29 has low reflectivity (e.g., when the spacer 29 has a high transmittance), it is necessary to use a large window part 26 in order to have the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 irradiated with the light beams emitted from the light source 24 into a wide range. When being large, the window part 26 needs to be thick in order to ensure the strength thereof. When the window part 26 is thicker, the transmittance becomes lower. By using the spacer 29 having high reflectivity with respect to the wavelengths of the ultraviolet rays generated by the light source 24 in use, it is possible to reflect the light beams emitted with a wide angle, to keep the window part 26 small and thin, and to prevent the luminosity from becoming low. Examples of the material having high reflectivity include, among resins, fluorocarbon resin, and among metals, aluminum and a member subjected to surface treatment through alumite processing, vapor deposition, or the like. Having high reflectivity denotes having reflectivity of 80% or higher, or preferably, 90% or higher, with respect to the dominant wavelength of the light source 24, for example. As another example, having high reflectivity may denote having relatively high reflectivity as compared to other materials used in the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0132] Further, the spacer 29 does not necessarily need to have a hollow shape. It is desirable when the light source 24 is surrounded by the spacer 29 at 360 degrees or all the way around; however, possible embodiments are not limited to this configuration. For example, the light source 24 may be surrounded by a plurality of spacers 29. For example, the light source 24 may be surrounded the plurality of spacers 29 positioned at intervals. For example, while being centered on the center and the optical axis of the light source 24, the light source 24 may be surrounded by the spacers 29 over a range of 180 degrees or more, or the light source 24 may be surrounded by the spacers 29 over a range of 270 degrees or more. Instead of being circular or rectangular, the shape of the spacer 29 may be a columnar shape having a cut-out part, such as a C-shape, a U-shape or an arch-like shape, for example. However, it is preferable when the spacer 29 has a hollow circular shape or a hollow rectangular shape that is closed in all four directions. The reason is that, while the spacer 29 is collaborating with the window part 26 or the sealing member 30, a structure is achieved where water or dust cannot easily enter the light source 24. For the same reason, when the spacer 29 has a partially-cut shape, it is preferable when the cut-out range of the shape is as small as possible. In addition, it is preferable when the position of the cut-out part of the spacer 29 is a position on the lower side in the vertical direction. For example, the spacer 29 may have the cut-out part in a range on the lower side in the vertical direction, relative to the center of the light source 24. For example, the spacer 29 may have the cut-out part in a range on the lower side relative to the lower end of the light source 24, in terms of positions in the vertical direction. For example, the spacer 29 may have a C-shape or a U-shape where the bottom side (i.e., a part on the lower side) of a hollow rectangular column is cut out. A part of the light beams emitted from the light source 24 placed on the inside (i.e., in the hollow part) of the spacer 29 having a hollow circular cylindrical shape or a hollow rectangular cylindrical shape collide with and are reflected by the spacer 29. The light beams reflected by colliding with the spacer 29 only once advance toward the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. At that time, the light beams that were reflected by colliding only once with the lower part, in the vertical direction, of the spacer 29 and advanced toward the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 without subsequently colliding with the spacer 29 will advance upward regarding the vertical direction. Because those light beams do not collide with the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, the space in which the blower apparatus 1 is installed is irradiated by those light beams. In contrast, when the spacer 29 has the cut-out part on the lower side in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the light beams which collide with and are reflected by the spacer 29 and by which the space where the blower apparatus 1 is installed is irradiated. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce radiation exposure risks of the people in the surroundings.
[0133] The UV irradiator 23 does not necessarily need to be fixed by the fastening members 31. For example, the fastening members 31 may be a part of the blower apparatus 1 or may be a part of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The fastening members 31 may be a part of the case 25 or may be a part of the heat sink 28. Further, as long as it is possible to fix the UV irradiator 23, the fastening members 31 may be omitted.
[0134] Fig. 24 to Fig. 27 are cross-sectional views of other modification examples of the UV irradiator 23 included in the blower apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Each of the modification examples of the UV irradiator 23 shown in Fig. 24 to Fig. 27 is an example not having the case 25. In each of the modification examples in Fig. 24 to Fig. 27, the UV irradiator 23 is fixed to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, as a result of the screws 33 fastening the heat sink 28 onto the boss 3k of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0135] In the modification example shown in Fig. 24 and the modification example shown in Fig. 25, the gap between the window part 26 and the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 is sealed by the sealing member 30.
[0136] Each of the modification examples shown in Fig. 25 to Fig. 27 is an example not having the spacer 29. In these modification examples, the window part 26 is held by the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0137] In the modification example shown in Fig. 25, the window part 26 is supported by a projecting part 3m projecting from the boss 3k toward the inner circumferential side.
[0138] Each of the modification examples shown in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 is an example not having the sealing member 30.
[0139] In the modification example shown in Fig. 26, the window part 26 is attached to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 by using a bushing 34. An outer circumferential part of the bushing 34 is fitted to an inner circumferential part of an opening formed in the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. An outer circumferential part of the window part 26 is fitted to an inner circumferential part of the bushing 34. The bushing 34 has a structure similar to that of a cable bushing, for example. The bushing 34 may also additionally have a function of sealing the gap between the window part 26 and the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. In that situation, the window part 26 is attached by pressing the window part 26 from the side of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 toward the light source 24.
[0140] The blower apparatus 1 may be configured so that the UV irradiator 23 is removable. In other words, the UV irradiator 23 may be configured to be removable from the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. Further, the blower apparatus 1 may be configured in such a manner that, within the blower apparatus 1, a main body part excluding the UV irradiator 23 is separatable from the UV irradiator 23, so that it is possible to remove the UV irradiator 23 from the main body part. The blower apparatus 1 may be configured so that the UV irradiator 23 is removable and is replaceable with a new UV irradiator 23. With this configuration, even when the light source 24 has reached the end of the product life and has lower capabilities, it is possible to restore the capabilities by replacing the UV irradiator 23 with the new one. In addition, by replacing the UV irradiator 23 with the new one, it is also possible to restore capabilities of the window part 26 or the sealing member 30 and the like. Further, by removing the fastening members 31, it is also possible to replace the light source 24 or the window part 26, while the case 25 or the sealing member 30 remains attached to the blower apparatus 1. In other words, it is easy to replace the entirety of the UV irradiator 23 or to selectively replace a part of the UV irradiator 23, depending on the section being removed and depending on the needs. Further, by removing the screws 33 serving as fastening members or the fastening members 31, it is possible to remove a light source part which includes the light source 24. In other words, by using a plurality of methods or by removing a plurality of sections, it is possible to remove the light source part. As explained above, it is desirable when an upper part of the light source 24 or the window part 26 is positioned closer to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, than a lower part of the light source 24 or the window part 26 is. In other words, regarding the UV irradiator 23 as a whole, the upper part may be positioned closer to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 than the lower part is. In that situation, when the light source 24 or the window part 26 is to be replaced by removing the fastening members 31, the detaching/attaching and replacement work is easier because the sealing member 30 will not easily fall off.
[0141] In the modification example shown in Fig. 27, the window part 26 is attached to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 by using double-sided adhesive tape 35. A rim part of the window part 26 is adhered to an edge part of an opening formed in the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 by using the double-sided adhesive tape 35. The gap between the window part 26 and the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5 is sealed by the double-sided adhesive tape 35.
[0142] It is possible to remove the window part 26 or the UV irradiator 23 by removing the screws 33 serving as fastening members or the fastening members 31. In this manner, the blower apparatus 1 may be configured so that the window part 26 is removable. The blower apparatus 1 may be configured so that the window part 26 can be removed and replaced with a new window part 26. With this configuration, even when the window part 26 has deteriorated and exhibits a lower transmittance, it is possible to restore the transmittance by replacing the window part 26 with the new one. When the window part 26 is provided as a separate member from the UV irradiator 23, the window part 26 may be configured to be removable without the need to remove the UV irradiator 23. In another example, when the window part 26 and the UV irradiator 23 are integrally formed, it is acceptable to replace the window part 26 with a new one, by replacing the whole UV irradiator 23 with a new one.
[0143] The blower apparatus 1 may further include a controller 22 configured to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero, in accordance with the detection by the hand detector 21. Ultraviolet rays may be harmful when being applied to human bodies. When the controller 22 is configured to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero, upon detection of a hand by the hand detector 21, it is possible to prevent, with higher certainty, the ultraviolet rays from being applied to human bodies. The controller 22 is capable of adjusting the average output of the UV irradiator 23, by adjusting an electric current for the light source 24.
[0144] In relation to the above, the hand detector 21 is capable of detecting the presence/absence of a hand inserted in the internal air passage 5 or a hand placed on the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The controller 22 of the blower apparatus 1 may be configured so that the UV irradiator 23 emits the ultraviolet rays while the hand detector 21 is detecting the absence of hands. By ensuring that the UV irradiator 23 emits the ultraviolet rays while no hand is placed on the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5, it is possible to realize both safety and hygiene at the same time with higher certainty.
[0145] As previously noted, the blower apparatus 1 may further include the human detector 39. The human detector 39 detects a human body approaching the blower apparatus 1. For example, the human detector 39 may include a human sensor installed in the main body casing 2. In another example, the blower apparatus of the present disclosure does not need to include a human detector. For example, the human detector 39 may detect a human body positioned close to the blower apparatus 1 by a distance shorter than a prescribed value. For example, the human detector 39 may detect a movement of a human body positioned close to the blower apparatus 1 by a distance shorter than the prescribed value. For example, the human detector 39 may detect a person standing within a prescribed area with respect to the blower apparatus 1. For example, the human detector 39 may detect postures of human bodies.
[0146] The blower apparatus 1 may further include the controller 22 configured to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero, in accordance with the detection by the human detector 39. By allowing the controller 22 to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero upon detection of a person by the human detector 39, it is possible to prevent, with higher certainty, the ultraviolet rays from being applied to human bodies.
[0147] An ultraviolet irradiation amount is in proportion to the product of luminosity and irradiation time. While assuming the luminosity to be constant, it is possible to calculate irradiation time corresponding to an ultraviolet irradiation amount necessary for sufficiently sterilizing the indoor space or the inside of the internal air passage 5.
[0148] The controller 22 may be configured to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero, when a time period continuously having no detection of a hand by the hand detector 21 or a time period continuously having no detection of a person by the human detector 39 exceeds a reference duration. This configuration is advantageous in, among others, inhibiting deterioration of the constituent materials of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0149] The controller 22 may be configured to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero, when a time period during which the UV irradiator 23 continuously emits the ultraviolet rays exceeds a reference duration. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the irradiation time in each session from being longer than necessary. Accordingly, this configuration is advantageous in prolonging the product life of the light source 24, preventing the transmittance of the window part 26 from becoming low, and inhibiting the deterioration of the constituent materials of the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5.
[0150] The controller 22 may be configured to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero, when a time period during which the UV irradiator 23 continuously emits the ultraviolet rays exceeds a reference duration. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the irradiation time in each session from being longer than necessary. Accordingly, this configuration is advantageous in prolonging the product life of the light source 24, preventing the transmittance of the window part 26 from becoming low, and inhibiting the deterioration of the constituent materials of the wall part 3.
[0151] Further, the controller 22 may be configured to lower the average output of the UV irradiator 23 or to make the average output of the UV irradiator 23 zero, when the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 or the temperature of the substrate 27 or a chip of the UV irradiator 23 exceeds a first reference level. For example, the first reference level may be in the range of 50°C to 200°C, and preferably, in the range of 80°C to 140°C. For example, the reference level may be a junction temperature referenced on the basis of the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 or the temperature of the substrate 27 or the chip of the UV irradiator 23. Further, the controller 22 may re-raise the average output of the UV irradiator 23 when the temperature of the UV irradiator 23 or the temperature of the substrate 27 or the chip of the UV irradiator 23 exceeds a second reference level. In that situation, the average output of the UV irradiator 23 has a smaller value than the output before the output was lowered or the output before the average output of the UV irradiator 23 was lowered. The second reference level may be the same temperature as the first reference level. Preferably, the second reference level is a temperature lower than the first reference level. Further, the blower apparatus 1 may include a junction temperature detector. The junction temperature detector may derive the junction temperature by calculation or may directly detect the junction temperature.
[0152] For example, the junction temperature detector may include a thermal resistance detector for detecting thermal resistance, an ambient temperature detector for detecting an ambient temperature, and/or a case temperature detector for detecting a case temperature. As a method for calculating the junction temperature, it is acceptable to use one of Expressions (1) and (2) presented below, for example. With these arrangements, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and deterioration of the UV irradiator 23.
where
Tj: junction temperature
Ta: ambient temperature
Rth(j-a): thermal resistance between the junction and the ambient
P: power consumption
where
Tj: junction temperature
Tc: case temperature
Rth(j-c): thermal resistance between the junction and the case
P: power consumption
[0153] Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of attaching the UV irradiator 23 to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. In the example in Fig. 28, the internal air passage 5 has a bypass air passage 41. The bypass air passage 41 is formed by a cover 42 covering the UV irradiator 23 from the heat sink 28 side. A part of the air flow AF flowing through the internal air passage 5 is branched as a bypass air flow BAF and flows into the bypass air passage 41 through an entrance 43. The bypass air flow BAS that has passed through the bypass air passage 41 exits through an exit 44 and merges with the original air flow AF. With the bypass air flow BAF passing through the bypass air passage 41, it is possible to efficiently cool, in particular, the heat sink 28 of the UV irradiator 23.
[0154] In the example of Fig. 28, a wall part 45 facing the wall part 3 to which the UV irradiator 23 is attached is provided. The air flow AF flows between the wall part 3 and the wall part 45. The window part 26 faces the wall part 45. The air flow AF flows between the window part 26 and the wall part 45. The wall part 45 may be omitted.
[0155] Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional side view showing another example of attaching the UV irradiator 23 to the wall part 3 of the internal air passage 5. The difference in the example in Fig. 29 from Fig. 28 will be explained. In the example in Fig. 29, the cover 42 is removably attached by using fastening members 46. For example, the fastening members 46 may be screws. When the fastening members 46 are removed, it is possible to remove the cover 42. When the cover 42 is removed, it is possible to easily remove the UV irradiator 23.
Reference Signs List
[0156]
- 1
- blower apparatus
- 2
- main body casing
- 3
- wall part
- 3j
- opening
- 3k
- boss
- 3m
- projecting part
- 4
- upper heat exchanger
- 5
- internal air passage
- 6
- air inlet
- 7
- air outlet
- 8
- upper heat exchanger
- 9
- lower heat exchanger
- 10
- electric blower
- 11
- contamination degree detector/estimator
- 12
- body temperature detector
- 13
- human identifier
- 14
- temperature detector
- 14A
- first temperature detector
- 14B
- second temperature detector
- 15
- air direction changer
- 16
- mover
- 17
- panel
- 18
- louver
- 21
- hand detector
- 22
- controller
- 23
- UV irradiator
- 23A
- first UV irradiator
- 23B
- second UV irradiator
- 24
- light source
- 25
- case
- 26
- window part
- 26a
- first window part
- 26b
- second window part
- 27
- substrate
- 28
- heat sink
- 29
- spacer
- 30
- sealing member
- 31
- fastening member
- 32
- wiring
- 33
- screw
- 34
- bushing
- 35
- double-sided adhesive tape
- 39
- human detector
- 41
- bypass air passage
- 42
- cover
- 43
- entrance
- 44
- exit
- 45
- wall part
- 46
- fastening member
- 101
- processor
- 102
- memory
1. A blower apparatus comprising:
an air inlet in communication with an indoor space;
an air outlet in communication with the indoor space;
an internal air passage from the air inlet to the air outlet;
an electric blower for generating air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet through the internal air passage; and
a UV irradiator for irradiating at least a part of the internal air passage with ultraviolet rays.
2. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the UV irradiator includes a heat sink and a substrate,
at least a part of the heat sink or at least a part of the substrate is exposed to the internal air passage, and
the blower apparatus further comprises a controller for varying an average output of the UV irradiator in accordance with an air volume of the electric blower.
3. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a human detector for detecting a presence state in which there is any person in the indoor space and an absence state in which no person is present in the indoor space; and
a controller for varying an average output of the UV irradiator in accordance with a detection result of the human detector.
4. The blower apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the controller is configured to raise the average output of the UV irradiator when the presence state has transitioned into the absence state.
the controller is configured to raise the average output of the UV irradiator when the presence state has transitioned into the absence state.
5. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a contamination degree detector/estimator for detecting or estimating a contamination degree of the indoor space; and
a controller for varying an average output of the UV irradiator in accordance with the contamination degree.
6. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a body temperature detector for detecting a body temperature of a person present in the indoor space; and
a controller for varying an average output of the UV irradiator in accordance with the body temperature.
7. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a human identifier for identifying a person present in the indoor space;
a body temperature detector for detecting a body temperature of the person present in the indoor space; and
a controller for raising an average output of the UV irradiator when the body temperature at present time of the person identified by the human identifier is higher than a normal body temperature of the person.
8. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
at least a part of the UV irradiator is exposed to the internal air passage, and
the blower apparatus further comprises:
a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the UV irradiator;
an air direction changer for changing a direction of the air flow in the internal air passage; and
a controller for causing the air direction changer to change the direction of the air flow in the internal air passage, in accordance with the temperature of the UV irradiator.
9. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a mover for moving the UV irradiator to a first position and to a second position;
a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the UV irradiator; and
a controller for causing the mover to move the UV irradiator, in accordance with the temperature of the UV irradiator, wherein
a heat dissipation efficiency with which heat of the UV irradiator is dissipated in the first position is different from a heat dissipation efficiency with which the heat of the UV irradiator is dissipated in the second position.
10. The blower apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 used as an indoor unit
of an air conditioner, the blower apparatus further comprising:
a heat exchanger disposed in the internal air passage;
a mover for moving the UV irradiator to a first position on an air passage from the air inlet to the heat exchanger and to a second position on an air passage from the heat exchanger to the air outlet; and
a controller for moving the UV irradiator to the first position at a time of an indoor heating operation and moving the UV irradiator to the second position at a time of an indoor cooling operation.
11. The blower apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 used as an indoor unit
of an air conditioner, wherein
the UV irradiator is a first UV irradiator,
the blower apparatus further comprises:
a second UV irradiator for irradiating at least a part of the internal air passage with ultraviolet rays;
a heat exchanger disposed in the internal air passage; and
a controller,
the first UV irradiator is disposed in an air passage from the air inlet to the heat exchanger,
the second UV irradiator is disposed in an air passage from the heat exchanger to the air outlet, and
at a time of an indoor heating operation, the controller is configured to turn on a light of the first UV irradiator and to turn off a light of the second UV irradiator, and at a time of an indoor cooling operation, the controller is configured to turn off the light of the first UV irradiator and to turn on the light of the second UV irradiator.
12. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the UV irradiator is a first UV irradiator,
the blower apparatus further comprises:
a second UV irradiator for irradiating at least a part of the internal air passage with ultraviolet rays;
a heat source disposed in the internal air passage; and
a controller,
the first UV irradiator is disposed in an air passage from the air inlet to the heat source,
the second UV irradiator is disposed in an air passage from the heat source to the air outlet, and
at a time of a warm air operation, the controller is configured to make an average output of the second UV irradiator lower than an average output of the first UV irradiator or is configured to turn off a light of the second UV irradiator.
13. The blower apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the UV irradiator is a first UV irradiator,
the blower apparatus further comprises:
a second UV irradiator for irradiating at least a part of the internal air passage with ultraviolet rays;
a heat source disposed in the internal air passage;
a controller;
a first temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the first UV irradiator; and
a second temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the second UV irradiator,
the first UV irradiator is disposed in an air passage from the air inlet to the heat source,
the second UV irradiator is disposed in an air passage from the heat source to the air outlet, and
the controller is either configured to vary an average output of the second UV irradiator in accordance with the temperature of the second UV irradiator detected by the second temperature detector or configured to vary the average output of the second UV irradiator in accordance with the temperature of the second UV irradiator detected by the second temperature detector and the temperature of the first UV irradiator detected by the first temperature detector.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description