Order removing apparatus and a refrigerating apparatus using the order removing apparatus

Abstract

An ultraviolet ray light source radiates ultraviolet rays on a plurality of photocatalytic beads. An enclosure allows an airflow and accommodates the light source and the photocatalytic beads.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An odor removing apparatus comprising: 
 an ultraviolet ray light source for radiating ultraviolet rays;    a plurality of photocatalytic beads arranged to receive the ultraviolet rays from said light source; and    an enclosure holding said light source and said photocatalytic beads, wherein air passes through said enclosure.    
     
     
         2 . An odor removing apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said photocatalytic beads contact said light source.  
     
     
         3 . An odor removing apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said photocatalytic beads comprise a spherical body made of either glass or silica gel and a photocatalyst comprises titanium oxide, or zinc oxide, coated on the body.  
     
     
         4 . An odor removing apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said photocatalytic beads comprise titanium oxide, or zinc oxide.  
     
     
         5 . An odor removing apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein each photocatalytic bead has a different diameter causing plural peaks of distribution.  
     
     
         6 . An odor removing apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said enclosure defines holes; and wherein said photocatalytic beads are not able to pass through said holes.  
     
     
         7 . An odor removing apparatus comprising: 
 an ultraviolet ray discharge lamp having an outer bulb filled with gas at pressure less than or equal to atmospheric pressure and a discharge vessel containing mercury (Hg), and a rare gas, said discharge vessel being in said outer bulb along an axis thereof; and    a photocatalytic substance arranged to receive ultraviolet rays from said discharge lamp.    
     
     
         8 . An odor removing apparatus according to said    claim 7   , wherein said photocatalytic substance comprises photocatalytic beads; and wherein 
 said photocatalytic beads contact said outer bulb of said ultraviolet ray discharge lamp.    
     
     
         9 . A refrigerating apparatus, comprising: 
 an odor removing apparatus, comprising: 
 an ultraviolet ray light source for radiating ultraviolet rays,  
 a plurality of photocatalytic beads arranged to receive the ultraviolet rays from said light source, and  
 an enclosure holding said light source and said photocatalytic beads;  
   an airflow passage through said odor removing apparatus; and    a refrigerating housing accommodating said odor removing apparatus and said airflow passage.    
     
     
         10 . A refrigerating apparatus comprising: 
 an odor removing apparatus comprising: 
 an ultraviolet ray discharge lamp having an outer bulb filled with gas at pressure less than or equal to atmospheric pressure and a discharge vessel containing mercury (Hg) and a rare gas, said discharge vessel being in said outer bulb along an axis thereof,  
 a photocatalytic substance arranged to receive ultraviolet rays from said discharge lamp;  
   an airflow passage through said odor removing apparatus; and    a refrigerating housing accommodating said odor removing apparatus and said airflow passage.