CA2011820C - Sterilizing and deodorizing device - Google Patents
Sterilizing and deodorizing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2011820C CA2011820C CA 2011820 CA2011820A CA2011820C CA 2011820 C CA2011820 C CA 2011820C CA 2011820 CA2011820 CA 2011820 CA 2011820 A CA2011820 A CA 2011820A CA 2011820 C CA2011820 C CA 2011820C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- catalyst
- electrodes
- deodorizing
- catalyst members
- members
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
- C01B13/10—Preparation of ozone
- C01B13/11—Preparation of ozone by electric discharge
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/20—Electrodes used for obtaining electrical discharge
- C01B2201/22—Constructional details of the electrodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/20—Electrodes used for obtaining electrical discharge
- C01B2201/24—Composition of the electrodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/60—Feed streams for electrical dischargers
- C01B2201/62—Air
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/80—Additional processes occurring alongside the electrical discharges, e.g. catalytic processes
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
Abstract
The deodorizing and sterilizing device of the present invention comprises a plurality of catalyst members each having a through hole and disposed at a gap with each other, a cover for tightly sealing the gap between each of the catalyst members and electrodes disposed to the opposing surfaces of the catalyst members for applying a high voltage, and can improve the safety and reduce the size of the device.
In a further modified device the present invention, the catalyst member is made of material having electro-conductivity substantially identical with that of the electrode, so that corona discharge is formed in the through hole of the catalyst member as well as between the electrodes, which can maintain the ozone deodorizing and decomposing functions for a long period of time.
In a further modified device the present invention, the catalyst member is made of material having electro-conductivity substantially identical with that of the electrode, so that corona discharge is formed in the through hole of the catalyst member as well as between the electrodes, which can maintain the ozone deodorizing and decomposing functions for a long period of time.
Description
The present invention concerns a sterilizing and deodorizing device for removing odors, for example, in a refrigerator, etc. or in a room and, at the same time, sterilizing bacteria suspending in atmospheric air. More in particular, it relates to a device for generating ozone by the application of a high voltage, reaching generated ozone with smelly components causing odors, to conduct deodorization and sterilization and, further, killing odors by a catalyst and decomposing excess ozone by the catalyst so that generated ozone is not leaked to the outside.
Conventional sterilizing and deodorizing device 50 has been constituted as shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, there are shown a casing 51, a blower 52, ozone generating electrodes 53,54 applied with high voltage from a high voltage power source 55, and a catalyst 56 having a plurality of through holes 57 in a honeycomb-like shape. The catalyst is made by entirely sintering material having deodorizing and ozone decomposing catalytic activity or disposing a catalyst to the inner surface of the through holes 57. In this sterilizing and deodorizing device 50, a high voltage is applied ,~
,. ,. -- 1 --20, 1 ~20 between the electrodes 53 and 54 from the high voltage power source 55 to induce corona discharge and generate ozone. Then, smelly components in air 58 introduced by the blower 52 from an inlet 59 to the inside of the casing 51 are reacted with ozone to be deodorized, and sterilized.
Then, the air is passed through the through holes 57 in the catalyst member 56, so that it i8 further deodorized and excess ozone is decomposed to discharge air 61 with reduced smelly components and free from ozone from the exit 60. Excess ozone is decomposed in the catalyst member 56, because ozone is harmful to a human body such, if present in a great amount, possibly attacking lungs, causing dazzling, giving stimulations to eyes, etc. .
However, in the conventional device 50 as described above, if the operation of the blower 52 is interrupted by means of troubles or wire disconnections, since ozone generated between the electrodes 53 and 54 does not flow into the through holes 57, it is not decomposed but may diffuse through the inlet 59 or the exit 60 to the outside of the casing 51 to bring about a safety problem.
Further, since an ozone generation device comprising the electrodes 53, 54 and the high voltage power voltage 55, and the catalyst member 56 are disposed separately, a large installation space is required, which is not suitable to those devices of narrow space such as a refrigerator, etc.
Conventional sterilizing and deodorizing device 50 has been constituted as shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, there are shown a casing 51, a blower 52, ozone generating electrodes 53,54 applied with high voltage from a high voltage power source 55, and a catalyst 56 having a plurality of through holes 57 in a honeycomb-like shape. The catalyst is made by entirely sintering material having deodorizing and ozone decomposing catalytic activity or disposing a catalyst to the inner surface of the through holes 57. In this sterilizing and deodorizing device 50, a high voltage is applied ,~
,. ,. -- 1 --20, 1 ~20 between the electrodes 53 and 54 from the high voltage power source 55 to induce corona discharge and generate ozone. Then, smelly components in air 58 introduced by the blower 52 from an inlet 59 to the inside of the casing 51 are reacted with ozone to be deodorized, and sterilized.
Then, the air is passed through the through holes 57 in the catalyst member 56, so that it i8 further deodorized and excess ozone is decomposed to discharge air 61 with reduced smelly components and free from ozone from the exit 60. Excess ozone is decomposed in the catalyst member 56, because ozone is harmful to a human body such, if present in a great amount, possibly attacking lungs, causing dazzling, giving stimulations to eyes, etc. .
However, in the conventional device 50 as described above, if the operation of the blower 52 is interrupted by means of troubles or wire disconnections, since ozone generated between the electrodes 53 and 54 does not flow into the through holes 57, it is not decomposed but may diffuse through the inlet 59 or the exit 60 to the outside of the casing 51 to bring about a safety problem.
Further, since an ozone generation device comprising the electrodes 53, 54 and the high voltage power voltage 55, and the catalyst member 56 are disposed separately, a large installation space is required, which is not suitable to those devices of narrow space such as a refrigerator, etc.
In addition, in the conventional device 50 as described above, the ozone generating electrodes 53 and 54 for generating ozone and the catalyst member 56 for deodorizing ozone decomposing effects are disposed separately. Further, since the catalyst member 56 has a high surface activity and sensible to contaminations with moistures or oils, as well as dusts such as tobacco smokes. Then, if the surface of the catalyst member 56 is covered with contaminations, it results in the problem that the deodorizing or decomposing efficiency is reduced to leave odors or harmful excess ozone as it is. In such a case, there is no effective means for reactivating the catalyst member 56 in the conventional device 50 and the catalyst member 56 has to be replaced with fresh one on every contamination.
In view of the foregoing problems in the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact sterilizing and deodorizing device of excellent safety.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a deodorizing device capable of maintaining of deodorizing effect and decomposing effect of ozone for a long period of time.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a deodorizing and sterilizing device comprising:
a plurality of honeycomb shape catalyst members, each having a plurality of through holes for the passage of air and disposed in a cascade in mutually spaced relationship;
20 1 ~ ~20 a cover for tightly sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and electrodes connected between the end surfaces of the opposing catalyst members for applying a high voltage.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a deodorizing and sterilizing device, comprising:
a plurality of catalyst members, each having outer lo ends, and a plurality of through holes for the passage of air, said catalyst members being equipped with electrodes and disposed in mutually spaced relationship; and a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery between opposing inner end surfaces of the adjacent catalyst members in which a high voltage is applied to each of the electrodes so as to generate ozone by corona discharge between each of the electrodes for deodorization, wherein each of the catalyst members is made of material having electroconductivity substantially identical with that of the electrodes so that corona discharge occurs between opposing inner walls of the through holes in the catalyst members and between the electrodes.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a deodorizing and sterilizing device, comprising:
a plurality of catalyst member means for deodorizing air passing therethrough and for decomposing ozone generated therefrom, each having a plurality of through holes where air 2 0 ~ 1 820 is passed through and disposed in a cascade at a gap with each other;
a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and a high voltage source means having a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode being integrally formed to one end surface of opposing catalyst member means, and said second electrode being integrally formed to another end surface of said opposing catalyst member means, wherein said high voltage source means applies a high voltage to said electrodes.
In the present invention with the foregoing constitution, air to be treated is at first deodorized when it is passed through the through holes of the first catalyst member. Then, corona discharge is induced by a high voltage applied between the electrodes disposed between the opposing surfaces of the catalyst members to generate ozone, by which the air passed through the through holes of the first catalyst member is sterilized and deodorized. Further, odors are removed and excess ozone is decomposed by the catalyst in the through holes of the downstream catalyst members.
In a case where the device comprises three or more catalyst members, such operation and processing are repeated in the same way.
The device according to the present invention is applicable both to a constitution in which air is caused to - 4a -flow into the through holes in the catalyst member by utilizing spontaneous convection, and a constitution - 4b -having a blower. Even in a case if the air stream should be interrupted due to troubles of a blower, etc. and ozone is generated continuously between the electrodes, since ozone is decomposed between the catalyst members on both sides, ozone can be prevented from external discharging.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a deodorizing and sterilizing device comprises a plurality Or honeycomb-shape catalyst members each having a plurality of through holes and connected in cascade at a predeter-mined gap to each other, a cover member for tightly sealing the periphery Or gaps between opposing surfaces of ad~acent catalyst members and electrodes disposed for applying a high voltage is applied between the opposing surfaces and used for deodorization and sterilization, in which each of the catalyst members is made of material having comparable electroconductivity substantially identical with that of the electrode, so that corona is discharged between the through holes Or the catalyst member as well as between the electrodes.
With the device according to the present invention having the foregoing constitution, ozone is generated between the electrodes disposed to each of the catalyst members and used for deodorization and sterilization and, since corona is discharged also between the through holes of the catalyst member and electrons and ions formed by the corona discharge impinge against the surface along the through holes of the catalyst member, contaminations deposited on the surface are repelled.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a sterilizing and deodorizing device according to the present invention;
10Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the change of the amount of ozone leaked upon stopping of a blower in the conventional device and the device according to the present invention;
Figure 4(a) is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention;
Figure 5 is a cross sectional view illustrating the state of testing the effect of the preferred embodiment;
20Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the result of the test;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view showing a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state of mounting the device; and Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of a conventional device.
The present invention will be described by way of preferred embodiments referring to Figures 1 to 3.
Example 1 Figure 1 and Figure 2 are, respectively, a perspective view and across sectional view for one embodiment of a sterilizing and deodorizing device 1 according to the present invention. In the figures, catalyst members 12,13 each having a plurality of through holes 7 are prepared, as described above, from material having a catalytic effect by means of sintering, etc. or depositing a catalyst to the inner surface of the through holes 7 by means of flame spraying or coating. The catalyst usable herein may comprise sio2 as the main ingredient mixed with MnO2 or Tio2, or insulating material such as activated carbon, but the catalyst used in the present invention is not limited only thereto.
The catalyst members 12 and 13 are disposed at an appropriate gap G and electrodes 14,15 made of copper alloy, silver or aluminum are integrally formed to the opposing surfaces of both of the members by means of flame spraying, and the electrode surface is coated with insulation material 16 such as a resin or varnish. The respective electrodes 14 and 15 are connected by way of wires 17 and 18 to the output terminal of the high voltage power source 5, respectively.
A cover 20 is attached to abutting ends of the catalyst members 12, 13 so that the periphery around the gap 19 between the catalyst members 12 and 13 is tightly closed. The cover 20 is a cylindrical form made of insulating material such as a resin and, if required, secured at both ends of the cover Ai~
20 1 ~ ~2~) 20 to the catalyst members 12 and 13 by means of adhesives.
In this embodiment, the catalyst (12 or 13) has length A of 13 mm, width B of 60 mm and height H of 30 mm. Further, the gap 19 (G) is 1 mm - 10 mm and the through hole 7 has about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm of diameter (in the case of a circular hole) or orthogonal diameter (in the case of a polygonal hole), but the invention is not restricted to such a size for each of the portions.
In this constitution, air 8 to be treated is introduced by the blower 2 into the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 12 and deodorized upon passing through .~ *
the through hole~ 7 due to the contact of the smelly components with the catalyst. On the other hand, corona is discharged due to a high voltage applied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the high power voltage power source 5 to generate ozone, which sterilizes and deodorizes the air 8 as it passes through the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 12. Further, the air is deodorized and excess ozone is decomposed by the catalyst in the through holes 7 is the ad~acent catalyst member 13 through which the air is passed subsequent.
Fig. 3 shows a change of ozone concentration with lapse of time at the outside of a casing when the conventional device 50 as shown in Fig. 10 or the embodiment 1 of the present invention is placed in a test chamber and ozone is continuously generated by the high voltage power source 5 after interrupting the operation of the blower 2 (casing is not shown in Figs. 1 and 2). In the conventional device 50, the ozone concentration is gradually increased.
On the other hand, in the case of the device 1 according to the present invention, the ozone concentration shows no substantial increase and leakage of ozone was not observed even after elapse of 40 min. Accordingly, if the operation of the blower 2 should be interrupted by some or other reasons, ozone leakage i8 not caused. Further, in the device 1 according to the present embodiment, air can be 20 1 1 ~ 20 caused to flow through the through hole 7 also by utilizing a spontaneous convection formed at the inside Or a refri-gerating chamber, etc. Also in this case, if the direction Or the air stream is reversed by some or other reason, ozone does not leak to ensure a safety state. Accordingly, a sterilizing and deodorizing device not requiring the blower 2 can be realized and, for example, a cell-actuated device is provided.
In the deodorizing and sterilizing device 1 as detailed above, since the ozone generation section is in communica-tion with the outside Or the sterilizing and deodorizing section only by way Or the through holes in the catalyst member, ir the stream Or air to be treated is eliminated due to interruption of the blower, etc. generated ozone is always passed through the through holes in the catalyst member and decomposed. Accordingly, leakage Or ozone to the outside of the sterilizing and deodorizing region can be prevented to improve the safety. Further, since the electrodes are combined with the catalyst member, etc.
a compact sterilizing and deodorizing device can be obtained.
Description is to be made for another embodiment of the present invention referring to Figs. 4 to 6.
In a deodorizing and sterilizing device lA shown in Fig. 4(a), components having identical functions with those in the device 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 carry the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions therefor are omitted.
E~ample 2 The deodorizing and sterilizing device lA shown in Fig.
4(a) comprises honeycomb-shaped catalyst members 12A and 13A each having a plurality Or through holes 7 as in the device 1 described above.
The catalyst members 12A, 13A are made Or material having substantial]y ldentical electroconductivity with that Or electrodes 14 and 15 (electric res~stance between both end faces of about 4 to 30 K ~, preferably, less than 5 K Q.
The catalyst members 12A, 13A usable herein are made of, for example, electroconductive material such as metal powder mixed with SiO2, MnO2 and TiO2, or with actlvated carbon, or honeycomb-like electroconductive support coated with TiO2, MnO2, etc.
Electrodes 14, 15 made of copper alloy, silver or aluminum are integrally formed by means of flame spraying, etc. to the opposing surraces of the catalyst members 12A, 13A at such an arrangement as forming a gap 19 (Gl = about 2 mm) and insulation material 16 such as made Or a resin or ceramic is coated to the surface Or both Or the elec-trode~ 14 and 15.
20 1 1 ~ 20 As a constitutions of the device lA are the same as those in the device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Description will then be made to the operation of the device 1 having the foregoing constitution while also referring to Figure 4(b), Figure 5 and Figure 6.
Air 8 to be treated is introduced by means of the blower 2 into the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 12A
and the smelly components are deodorized upon passing through the through holes 7 being in contact with the catalyst. On the other hand, corona is discharged due to the high voltage applied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the high voltage power source 5 to generate ozone. The air 8 passed through the through holes 7 in the catalyst member 12A is sterilized and deodorized by ozone. Further, air is deodorized and excess ozone is decomposed by the catalyst in the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 13 disposed at the downstream.
A corona discharge is generated between each of the electrodes 14 and 15 along with an occurrence of ozone by the aforesaid electrodes 14 and 15. Streams of electrons or ions caused by this corona discharge may repel stained substances such as moisture or oily component adhered to the end surface of through holes 7 of catalysts 12A and 13A. The repelled stained substance rides on the stream of air 8 and discharged to the outside of the device 1.
Figure 5 shows a test device for testing the effect of removing contaminants in the deodorizing device 1, while Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the result of the test.
20 1 1 ~20 In the test device shown in Figure 5, an aqueous 30%
solution of trimethylamine 36 and, the catalyst members 12A, 13A attached with the electrodes 14,15 and the cover 20 of the deodorizing device lA are placed in a box-like tightly sealed vessel 40, and the catalyst members 12A,13A are impregnated with the 30% aqueous solution of trimethylamine 36. After drying in air, a high voltage with a peak value of 9 to 10 (KV) is applied to the electrodes 14 and 15 from the high voltage power source 5.
A test result in a case of applying the high voltage is shown as the characteristics (A) represented by full circles, while a test result in a case of not applying the high voltage is shown as the characteristic (B) represented by blank circles in Figure 6 respectively.
In Figure 6, the abscissa shows time T (min) while the ordinate shows the value for the concentration of trimethylamine 36 in the tightly sealed vessel 40 as measured by gas chromatography.
As apparent from Figure 6, the concentration is settled to a constant value of 300 ppm after elapse of 100 (min), since dissociation of trimethylamine absorbed and reabsorption thereof are equilibrated.
On the other hand, the characteristic (A), for the state in which corona discharge occurs by the application of the high voltage shows a tendency that the concentration measured for trimethylamine gradually increases with elapse of time T.
20 1 1 8 2~
This is due to the fact that the amount of trimethylamine driven out by electric discharge from the surface of the catalyst is greater than the absorbed amount showing that the effect of removing trimethylamine absorbed to the surface 7a facing the through holes 7 of the catalyst members 12A, 13A is remarkable.
In the deodorizing and sterilizing device lA as described above specifically, it is possible to attain a deodorizing effect for the smelly components due to the generation of ozone and decomposing effect of excess ozone and to induce corona discharge also in the through holes of the catalyst member. It is, accordingly, possible to provide a deodorizing and sterilizing device having excellent effects for removing contaminants and capable of maintaining the foregoing effects over a long period of time.
Bx~mple 3 A further embodiment of the present invention will be explained next referring to Figure 7.
In a deodorizing and sterilizing device 35 shown in 20Figure 7, catalyst members 21 through 24 each having a plurality of through holes 7 in the same constitution as that of the catalyst members 12, 13 are connected in cascade with each other by means of tightly sealing covers 25 through 27 each at a predetermined gap, and electrodes 28 through 33 for applying a high voltage from a high voltage power source 5 are disposed to the opposing surfaces of each of the catalyst members 21 through 24 respectively.
20 1 1 8~
As shown in Figure 7, according to a configuration in which the four catalysts 21 to 24 are longitudinally connected to each other, distillation of the air 8 is carried by ozone generated between the electrodes 28 and 29 between the catalysts 21 and 22 at first and by electrical discharge.
A next distillation is carried out by ozone generated between the electrodes 30 and 31 between the catalysts 22 and 23 and by the electrical discharge; and lastly, a distillation is carried out by ozone generated between the electrodes 32 and 35 between the catalysts 23 and 24 and by an electrical discharge. In this way, the air passes through a plurality of electrodes and then, an effect of distillation can be improved. In this case, the ozone is generated only between each of the electrodes, but does not pass within the through holes 7, resulting in the ozone not leaking out from the device.
Also in the deodorizing and sterilizing device 35, the same function and effect as those in the sterilizing and deodorizing device 1 can be provided. In addition, the cross sectional area for each of the catalyst members 21 through 24 can be reduced and the deodorizing device 35 can be mounted, for example, at a corner of a refrigerator 34, etc. without trouble as shown in Figure 8. In the case of a vertical type as shown in Figure 8, an air stream by spontaneous convection can be utilized but the device may be disposed horizontally with a blower being disposed.
Example 4 The invention is not restricted only to the foregoing embodiments but various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.
In the foregoing embodiments, electrodes are disposed integrally to the catalyst members, but the electrodes are not necessarily integrated to the catalyst member. Further, the electrode can be attached not to the end face of the catalyst member but to the cover.
A`
In view of the foregoing problems in the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact sterilizing and deodorizing device of excellent safety.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a deodorizing device capable of maintaining of deodorizing effect and decomposing effect of ozone for a long period of time.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a deodorizing and sterilizing device comprising:
a plurality of honeycomb shape catalyst members, each having a plurality of through holes for the passage of air and disposed in a cascade in mutually spaced relationship;
20 1 ~ ~20 a cover for tightly sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and electrodes connected between the end surfaces of the opposing catalyst members for applying a high voltage.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a deodorizing and sterilizing device, comprising:
a plurality of catalyst members, each having outer lo ends, and a plurality of through holes for the passage of air, said catalyst members being equipped with electrodes and disposed in mutually spaced relationship; and a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery between opposing inner end surfaces of the adjacent catalyst members in which a high voltage is applied to each of the electrodes so as to generate ozone by corona discharge between each of the electrodes for deodorization, wherein each of the catalyst members is made of material having electroconductivity substantially identical with that of the electrodes so that corona discharge occurs between opposing inner walls of the through holes in the catalyst members and between the electrodes.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a deodorizing and sterilizing device, comprising:
a plurality of catalyst member means for deodorizing air passing therethrough and for decomposing ozone generated therefrom, each having a plurality of through holes where air 2 0 ~ 1 820 is passed through and disposed in a cascade at a gap with each other;
a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and a high voltage source means having a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode being integrally formed to one end surface of opposing catalyst member means, and said second electrode being integrally formed to another end surface of said opposing catalyst member means, wherein said high voltage source means applies a high voltage to said electrodes.
In the present invention with the foregoing constitution, air to be treated is at first deodorized when it is passed through the through holes of the first catalyst member. Then, corona discharge is induced by a high voltage applied between the electrodes disposed between the opposing surfaces of the catalyst members to generate ozone, by which the air passed through the through holes of the first catalyst member is sterilized and deodorized. Further, odors are removed and excess ozone is decomposed by the catalyst in the through holes of the downstream catalyst members.
In a case where the device comprises three or more catalyst members, such operation and processing are repeated in the same way.
The device according to the present invention is applicable both to a constitution in which air is caused to - 4a -flow into the through holes in the catalyst member by utilizing spontaneous convection, and a constitution - 4b -having a blower. Even in a case if the air stream should be interrupted due to troubles of a blower, etc. and ozone is generated continuously between the electrodes, since ozone is decomposed between the catalyst members on both sides, ozone can be prevented from external discharging.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a deodorizing and sterilizing device comprises a plurality Or honeycomb-shape catalyst members each having a plurality of through holes and connected in cascade at a predeter-mined gap to each other, a cover member for tightly sealing the periphery Or gaps between opposing surfaces of ad~acent catalyst members and electrodes disposed for applying a high voltage is applied between the opposing surfaces and used for deodorization and sterilization, in which each of the catalyst members is made of material having comparable electroconductivity substantially identical with that of the electrode, so that corona is discharged between the through holes Or the catalyst member as well as between the electrodes.
With the device according to the present invention having the foregoing constitution, ozone is generated between the electrodes disposed to each of the catalyst members and used for deodorization and sterilization and, since corona is discharged also between the through holes of the catalyst member and electrons and ions formed by the corona discharge impinge against the surface along the through holes of the catalyst member, contaminations deposited on the surface are repelled.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a sterilizing and deodorizing device according to the present invention;
10Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the change of the amount of ozone leaked upon stopping of a blower in the conventional device and the device according to the present invention;
Figure 4(a) is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention;
Figure 5 is a cross sectional view illustrating the state of testing the effect of the preferred embodiment;
20Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the result of the test;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view showing a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state of mounting the device; and Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of a conventional device.
The present invention will be described by way of preferred embodiments referring to Figures 1 to 3.
Example 1 Figure 1 and Figure 2 are, respectively, a perspective view and across sectional view for one embodiment of a sterilizing and deodorizing device 1 according to the present invention. In the figures, catalyst members 12,13 each having a plurality of through holes 7 are prepared, as described above, from material having a catalytic effect by means of sintering, etc. or depositing a catalyst to the inner surface of the through holes 7 by means of flame spraying or coating. The catalyst usable herein may comprise sio2 as the main ingredient mixed with MnO2 or Tio2, or insulating material such as activated carbon, but the catalyst used in the present invention is not limited only thereto.
The catalyst members 12 and 13 are disposed at an appropriate gap G and electrodes 14,15 made of copper alloy, silver or aluminum are integrally formed to the opposing surfaces of both of the members by means of flame spraying, and the electrode surface is coated with insulation material 16 such as a resin or varnish. The respective electrodes 14 and 15 are connected by way of wires 17 and 18 to the output terminal of the high voltage power source 5, respectively.
A cover 20 is attached to abutting ends of the catalyst members 12, 13 so that the periphery around the gap 19 between the catalyst members 12 and 13 is tightly closed. The cover 20 is a cylindrical form made of insulating material such as a resin and, if required, secured at both ends of the cover Ai~
20 1 ~ ~2~) 20 to the catalyst members 12 and 13 by means of adhesives.
In this embodiment, the catalyst (12 or 13) has length A of 13 mm, width B of 60 mm and height H of 30 mm. Further, the gap 19 (G) is 1 mm - 10 mm and the through hole 7 has about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm of diameter (in the case of a circular hole) or orthogonal diameter (in the case of a polygonal hole), but the invention is not restricted to such a size for each of the portions.
In this constitution, air 8 to be treated is introduced by the blower 2 into the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 12 and deodorized upon passing through .~ *
the through hole~ 7 due to the contact of the smelly components with the catalyst. On the other hand, corona is discharged due to a high voltage applied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the high power voltage power source 5 to generate ozone, which sterilizes and deodorizes the air 8 as it passes through the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 12. Further, the air is deodorized and excess ozone is decomposed by the catalyst in the through holes 7 is the ad~acent catalyst member 13 through which the air is passed subsequent.
Fig. 3 shows a change of ozone concentration with lapse of time at the outside of a casing when the conventional device 50 as shown in Fig. 10 or the embodiment 1 of the present invention is placed in a test chamber and ozone is continuously generated by the high voltage power source 5 after interrupting the operation of the blower 2 (casing is not shown in Figs. 1 and 2). In the conventional device 50, the ozone concentration is gradually increased.
On the other hand, in the case of the device 1 according to the present invention, the ozone concentration shows no substantial increase and leakage of ozone was not observed even after elapse of 40 min. Accordingly, if the operation of the blower 2 should be interrupted by some or other reasons, ozone leakage i8 not caused. Further, in the device 1 according to the present embodiment, air can be 20 1 1 ~ 20 caused to flow through the through hole 7 also by utilizing a spontaneous convection formed at the inside Or a refri-gerating chamber, etc. Also in this case, if the direction Or the air stream is reversed by some or other reason, ozone does not leak to ensure a safety state. Accordingly, a sterilizing and deodorizing device not requiring the blower 2 can be realized and, for example, a cell-actuated device is provided.
In the deodorizing and sterilizing device 1 as detailed above, since the ozone generation section is in communica-tion with the outside Or the sterilizing and deodorizing section only by way Or the through holes in the catalyst member, ir the stream Or air to be treated is eliminated due to interruption of the blower, etc. generated ozone is always passed through the through holes in the catalyst member and decomposed. Accordingly, leakage Or ozone to the outside of the sterilizing and deodorizing region can be prevented to improve the safety. Further, since the electrodes are combined with the catalyst member, etc.
a compact sterilizing and deodorizing device can be obtained.
Description is to be made for another embodiment of the present invention referring to Figs. 4 to 6.
In a deodorizing and sterilizing device lA shown in Fig. 4(a), components having identical functions with those in the device 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 carry the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions therefor are omitted.
E~ample 2 The deodorizing and sterilizing device lA shown in Fig.
4(a) comprises honeycomb-shaped catalyst members 12A and 13A each having a plurality Or through holes 7 as in the device 1 described above.
The catalyst members 12A, 13A are made Or material having substantial]y ldentical electroconductivity with that Or electrodes 14 and 15 (electric res~stance between both end faces of about 4 to 30 K ~, preferably, less than 5 K Q.
The catalyst members 12A, 13A usable herein are made of, for example, electroconductive material such as metal powder mixed with SiO2, MnO2 and TiO2, or with actlvated carbon, or honeycomb-like electroconductive support coated with TiO2, MnO2, etc.
Electrodes 14, 15 made of copper alloy, silver or aluminum are integrally formed by means of flame spraying, etc. to the opposing surraces of the catalyst members 12A, 13A at such an arrangement as forming a gap 19 (Gl = about 2 mm) and insulation material 16 such as made Or a resin or ceramic is coated to the surface Or both Or the elec-trode~ 14 and 15.
20 1 1 ~ 20 As a constitutions of the device lA are the same as those in the device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Description will then be made to the operation of the device 1 having the foregoing constitution while also referring to Figure 4(b), Figure 5 and Figure 6.
Air 8 to be treated is introduced by means of the blower 2 into the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 12A
and the smelly components are deodorized upon passing through the through holes 7 being in contact with the catalyst. On the other hand, corona is discharged due to the high voltage applied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the high voltage power source 5 to generate ozone. The air 8 passed through the through holes 7 in the catalyst member 12A is sterilized and deodorized by ozone. Further, air is deodorized and excess ozone is decomposed by the catalyst in the through holes 7 of the catalyst member 13 disposed at the downstream.
A corona discharge is generated between each of the electrodes 14 and 15 along with an occurrence of ozone by the aforesaid electrodes 14 and 15. Streams of electrons or ions caused by this corona discharge may repel stained substances such as moisture or oily component adhered to the end surface of through holes 7 of catalysts 12A and 13A. The repelled stained substance rides on the stream of air 8 and discharged to the outside of the device 1.
Figure 5 shows a test device for testing the effect of removing contaminants in the deodorizing device 1, while Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the result of the test.
20 1 1 ~20 In the test device shown in Figure 5, an aqueous 30%
solution of trimethylamine 36 and, the catalyst members 12A, 13A attached with the electrodes 14,15 and the cover 20 of the deodorizing device lA are placed in a box-like tightly sealed vessel 40, and the catalyst members 12A,13A are impregnated with the 30% aqueous solution of trimethylamine 36. After drying in air, a high voltage with a peak value of 9 to 10 (KV) is applied to the electrodes 14 and 15 from the high voltage power source 5.
A test result in a case of applying the high voltage is shown as the characteristics (A) represented by full circles, while a test result in a case of not applying the high voltage is shown as the characteristic (B) represented by blank circles in Figure 6 respectively.
In Figure 6, the abscissa shows time T (min) while the ordinate shows the value for the concentration of trimethylamine 36 in the tightly sealed vessel 40 as measured by gas chromatography.
As apparent from Figure 6, the concentration is settled to a constant value of 300 ppm after elapse of 100 (min), since dissociation of trimethylamine absorbed and reabsorption thereof are equilibrated.
On the other hand, the characteristic (A), for the state in which corona discharge occurs by the application of the high voltage shows a tendency that the concentration measured for trimethylamine gradually increases with elapse of time T.
20 1 1 8 2~
This is due to the fact that the amount of trimethylamine driven out by electric discharge from the surface of the catalyst is greater than the absorbed amount showing that the effect of removing trimethylamine absorbed to the surface 7a facing the through holes 7 of the catalyst members 12A, 13A is remarkable.
In the deodorizing and sterilizing device lA as described above specifically, it is possible to attain a deodorizing effect for the smelly components due to the generation of ozone and decomposing effect of excess ozone and to induce corona discharge also in the through holes of the catalyst member. It is, accordingly, possible to provide a deodorizing and sterilizing device having excellent effects for removing contaminants and capable of maintaining the foregoing effects over a long period of time.
Bx~mple 3 A further embodiment of the present invention will be explained next referring to Figure 7.
In a deodorizing and sterilizing device 35 shown in 20Figure 7, catalyst members 21 through 24 each having a plurality of through holes 7 in the same constitution as that of the catalyst members 12, 13 are connected in cascade with each other by means of tightly sealing covers 25 through 27 each at a predetermined gap, and electrodes 28 through 33 for applying a high voltage from a high voltage power source 5 are disposed to the opposing surfaces of each of the catalyst members 21 through 24 respectively.
20 1 1 8~
As shown in Figure 7, according to a configuration in which the four catalysts 21 to 24 are longitudinally connected to each other, distillation of the air 8 is carried by ozone generated between the electrodes 28 and 29 between the catalysts 21 and 22 at first and by electrical discharge.
A next distillation is carried out by ozone generated between the electrodes 30 and 31 between the catalysts 22 and 23 and by the electrical discharge; and lastly, a distillation is carried out by ozone generated between the electrodes 32 and 35 between the catalysts 23 and 24 and by an electrical discharge. In this way, the air passes through a plurality of electrodes and then, an effect of distillation can be improved. In this case, the ozone is generated only between each of the electrodes, but does not pass within the through holes 7, resulting in the ozone not leaking out from the device.
Also in the deodorizing and sterilizing device 35, the same function and effect as those in the sterilizing and deodorizing device 1 can be provided. In addition, the cross sectional area for each of the catalyst members 21 through 24 can be reduced and the deodorizing device 35 can be mounted, for example, at a corner of a refrigerator 34, etc. without trouble as shown in Figure 8. In the case of a vertical type as shown in Figure 8, an air stream by spontaneous convection can be utilized but the device may be disposed horizontally with a blower being disposed.
Example 4 The invention is not restricted only to the foregoing embodiments but various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.
In the foregoing embodiments, electrodes are disposed integrally to the catalyst members, but the electrodes are not necessarily integrated to the catalyst member. Further, the electrode can be attached not to the end face of the catalyst member but to the cover.
A`
Claims (6)
1. A deodorizing and sterilizing device, comprising:
a plurality of honeycomb shape catalyst members, each having a plurality of through holes for the passage of air and disposed in a cascade in mutually spaced relationship;
a cover for tightly sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and electrodes connected between the end surfaces of the opposing catalyst members for applying a high voltage.
a plurality of honeycomb shape catalyst members, each having a plurality of through holes for the passage of air and disposed in a cascade in mutually spaced relationship;
a cover for tightly sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and electrodes connected between the end surfaces of the opposing catalyst members for applying a high voltage.
2. A deodorizing and sterilizing device, comprising:
a plurality of catalyst members, each having outer ends, and a plurality of through holes for the passage of air, said catalyst members being equipped with electrodes and disposed in mutually spaced relationship; and a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery between opposing inner end surfaces of the adjacent catalyst members in which a high voltage is applied to each of the electrodes so as to generate ozone by corona discharge between each of the electrodes for deodorization, wherein each of the catalyst members is made of material having electroconductivity substantially identical with that of the electrodes so that corona discharge occurs between opposing inner walls of the through holes in the catalyst members and between the electrodes.
a plurality of catalyst members, each having outer ends, and a plurality of through holes for the passage of air, said catalyst members being equipped with electrodes and disposed in mutually spaced relationship; and a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery between opposing inner end surfaces of the adjacent catalyst members in which a high voltage is applied to each of the electrodes so as to generate ozone by corona discharge between each of the electrodes for deodorization, wherein each of the catalyst members is made of material having electroconductivity substantially identical with that of the electrodes so that corona discharge occurs between opposing inner walls of the through holes in the catalyst members and between the electrodes.
3. A deodorizing and sterilizing device as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrodes are connected to the opposing inner end surfaces of the catalyst members which are covered with the cover.
4. A deodorizing and sterilizing device as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrodes are connected to the outer ends of each of the catalyst members.
5. A deodorizing and sterilizing device, comprising:
a plurality of catalyst member means for deodorizing air passing therethrough and for decomposing ozone generated therefrom, each having a plurality of through holes where air is passed through and disposed in a cascade at a gap with each other;
a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and a high voltage source means having a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode being integrally formed to one end surface of opposing catalyst member means, and said second electrode being integrally formed to another end surface of said opposing catalyst member means, wherein said high voltage source means applies a high voltage to said electrodes.
a plurality of catalyst member means for deodorizing air passing therethrough and for decomposing ozone generated therefrom, each having a plurality of through holes where air is passed through and disposed in a cascade at a gap with each other;
a cover for tightly covering and sealing the periphery of a gap formed between each of opposing end surfaces of adjacent catalyst members; and a high voltage source means having a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode being integrally formed to one end surface of opposing catalyst member means, and said second electrode being integrally formed to another end surface of said opposing catalyst member means, wherein said high voltage source means applies a high voltage to said electrodes.
6. A deodorizing and sterilizing device as defined in claim 5, wherein each of said catalyst member means is made of material having electroconductivity substantially identical to that of said electrodes.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP1-67299 | 1989-03-17 | ||
| JP1067299A JPH02246977A (en) | 1989-03-17 | 1989-03-17 | Sterilizing deodorizer |
| JP2-36784 | 1990-02-16 | ||
| JP2036784A JPH03237982A (en) | 1990-02-16 | 1990-02-16 | Sterilizing and deodorizing apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2011820A1 CA2011820A1 (en) | 1990-09-17 |
| CA2011820C true CA2011820C (en) | 1995-12-05 |
Family
ID=26375883
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2011820 Expired - Fee Related CA2011820C (en) | 1989-03-17 | 1990-03-09 | Sterilizing and deodorizing device |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2011820C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4008144A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2229365B (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IL96555A0 (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1991-09-16 | Union Carbide Chem Plastic | Process and apparatus for de-polluting circulated air |
| US5993738A (en) * | 1997-05-13 | 1999-11-30 | Universal Air Technology | Electrostatic photocatalytic air disinfection |
| KR100441016B1 (en) * | 2002-06-04 | 2004-07-21 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Dish washing device and control method |
| US8211374B2 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2012-07-03 | David Richard Hallam | Air cleaning device |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU610566B2 (en) * | 1987-03-13 | 1991-05-23 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Deodorizing apparatus |
| JPH01284259A (en) * | 1988-05-07 | 1989-11-15 | Tdk Corp | Deodorizing device |
-
1990
- 1990-03-09 CA CA 2011820 patent/CA2011820C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-03-14 DE DE19904008144 patent/DE4008144A1/en active Granted
- 1990-03-16 GB GB9005904A patent/GB2229365B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2229365B (en) | 1992-08-19 |
| GB2229365A (en) | 1990-09-26 |
| DE4008144A1 (en) | 1990-09-20 |
| GB9005904D0 (en) | 1990-05-09 |
| CA2011820A1 (en) | 1990-09-17 |
| DE4008144C2 (en) | 1992-11-12 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |