Air purifying device

Abstract

Provided is an air purifying device that can efficiently purify air and can be downsized. An air purifying device (10) has a housing (20) having an air intake port (24) and an air exhaust port (26), a filter unit (12) including a photocatalyst filter (40) housed in a unit housing portion (28) in the housing, a light source (14) that irradiates the photocatalyst filter with light, and a supply fan (16) that generates an air flow through the unit housing portion. The photocatalyst filter is formed in a wave shape in which ridges and valleys extending in a first direction are alternately arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is housed in the unit housing portion in a manner that the air flow flows in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air purification devices, and more particularly to air purification devices that use, for example, photocatalyst filters equipped with photocatalysts for air purification. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional air purification device (photocatalyst device). The air purification device in Patent Document 1 includes: a housing; a filter unit (photocatalyst unit) comprising a photocatalyst filter (photocatalyst sheet) disposed within the housing; a light source (light) for providing light to the photocatalyst filter; and a fan for causing air to flow across the surface of the photocatalyst filter. Furthermore, the filter unit is detachably mounted within the housing.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-37285 Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve In the technology of Patent Document 1, since a flat photocatalyst filter is used, the photocatalyst filter must be scaled up in order to fully exert the decomposition performance of organic matter (i.e., the air purification performance), which leads to the problem of large-scale device.

[0004] Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to provide a new air purification device.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an air purification device that can efficiently purify air and can be miniaturized.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem The first invention is an air purification device that uses a photocatalyst filter to purify air, comprising: a housing having an air intake and an exhaust; a filter unit including a photocatalyst filter and a unit housing within the housing; a light source that irradiates light onto the photocatalyst filter; and a fan that generates an airflow from the air intake through the unit housing toward the exhaust, wherein the photocatalyst filter is formed in a wave-like shape with ridges and valleys extending along a first direction and alternately arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is housed in the unit housing such that the airflow flows along the first direction.

[0007] According to the first invention, by forming the photocatalyst filter in a wavy shape, the large size of the photocatalyst filter can be prevented, and the contact area between the photocatalyst filter and the air can be increased. Furthermore, by directing the air flow along the direction extending from the ridges and valleys of the photocatalyst filter (i.e., the first direction), pressure loss can be appropriately reduced, and the fan can be miniaturized. Therefore, air can be purified efficiently, and the air purification device can be miniaturized.

[0008] The second invention is subordinate to the first invention. The filter unit includes a retaining frame having two ends disposed in a first direction of the photocatalyst filter and a first frame that maintains the wavy shape of the photocatalyst filter. The first frame has a first opening that allows airflow to pass through in the first direction.

[0009] According to the second invention, the wavy shape of the photocatalyst filter can be maintained appropriately, and air can flow appropriately along the main surface of the photocatalyst filter.

[0010] The third invention is subordinate to the second invention. The filter unit is detachable from the unit housing. The unit housing has a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides the assembly and disassembly of the filter unit. The unit guide has a second opening that communicates with the first opening.

[0011] According to the third invention, the filter unit can be properly guided to the installation position and the air can flow properly along the main surface of the photocatalyst filter. The fourth invention is subordinate to the second or third invention, and the retaining frame has a long plate-shaped second frame disposed at both ends in a second direction of the photocatalyst filter and extending in a first direction, the second frame forming an airflow passage.

[0012] According to the fourth invention, the diffusion of airflow in a second direction (i.e., outside the width of the photocatalyst filter) is restricted by the second frame, thus enabling the photocatalyst filter to come into contact with the air more appropriately.

[0013] The fifth invention is an invention subordinate to any one of the second to fourth inventions, wherein the first frame is formed as a wave extending along the end of the photocatalyst filter.

[0014] According to the fifth invention, air is made to flow more properly along the main surface of the photocatalyst filter.

[0015] The sixth invention is subordinate to the fifth invention, and the retaining frame has an interval limiting part that limits the wave interval of the first frame to a predetermined interval.

[0016] According to the sixth invention, even when the filter unit is stretchable in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame (and thus the photocatalyst filter) can be maintained uniformly. The seventh invention is subordinate to the fifth invention. The unit receiving part has a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides the assembly and disassembly of the filter unit. The unit guide has a locking part formed in the center of the filter unit in the mounting direction. The first frame has a positioning protrusion that protrudes outward toward the photocatalyst filter and is locked by the locking part.

[0017] According to the seventh invention, even when the filter unit is stretchable in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame (and thus the photocatalyst filter) can be maintained uniformly.

[0018] The eighth invention is subordinate to the fifth invention. The unit receiving part has a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides the assembly and disassembly of the filter unit. The unit guide and the first frame are respectively formed such that their width narrows inward toward the installation direction of the filter unit.

[0019] According to the eighth invention, even when the filter unit is stretchable in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame (and thus the photocatalyst filter) can be maintained uniformly.

[0020] The eighth invention is subordinate to any one of the first to eighth inventions, and the light source includes a first light source that irradiates one main surface of the photocatalyst filter and a second light source that irradiates the other main surface of the photocatalyst filter. According to the ninth invention, since light is irradiated from both sides of the filter unit, the air can be purified more efficiently.

[0021] Invention Effects According to the present invention, not only can the contact area between the photocatalyst filter and the air be increased, but the pressure loss can also be appropriately reduced, thus enabling efficient air purification and miniaturization of the air purification device.

[0022] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an air purification device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of an air purification device.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of an air purification device.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view showing the filter unit.

[0027] Figure 5 This diagram shows the situation when a filter unit is installed on the housing of an air purifier.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing another example of a filter unit.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing yet another example of a filter unit.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing yet another example of a filter unit.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing yet another example of a filter unit.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the peripheral portion of the unit guide of the air purification device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the filter unit included in the air purification device of the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the second embodiment in which a filter unit is housed in a unit housing section.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the periphery of the unit guide of the air purification device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the filter unit included in the air purification device of the third embodiment.

[0037] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the case where a filter unit is housed in the unit housing section in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] [First Embodiment] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The air purification device 10, as a first embodiment of the present invention, is a device that uses a photocatalyst filter 40 equipped with a photocatalyst to decompose and purify harmful substances in the air. As described below, the air purification device 10 decomposes and purifies organic matter (organic compounds) attached to the photocatalyst filter 40 by causing air drawn in from the outside to flow along the main surface of the photocatalyst filter 40 and irradiating the photocatalyst filter 40 with light. The structure of the air purification device 10 will be specifically described below.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the air purifier 10 includes a filter unit 12 comprising a photocatalyst filter 40 and a retaining frame 42, a light source 14, a blower fan 16, an activated carbon filter 18, and a control unit (not shown), all of which are built into the housing 20 in a predetermined configuration. The control unit includes a CPU and a memory, and controls the operation of various parts of the air purifier 10 (such as the light source 14 and the blower fan 16) based on input operations to an operation unit including a power button 22.

[0040] The housing 20 is formed in a cuboid shape. An air intake 24 is provided at the bottom of the housing 20, and an exhaust 26 is provided at the top of the housing 20. Additionally, a unit housing 28 is provided in the center of the housing 20. The filter unit 12 is longitudinally housed (mounted) in this unit housing 28. The specific structure of the filter unit 12 will be described later.

[0041] The light source 14 includes a substrate 30 and a plurality of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 32 dispersed on the surface of the substrate 30, arranged facing the main surface of the photocatalyst filter 40. In this embodiment, the light source 14 includes a first light source 14a arranged opposite one main surface of the photocatalyst filter 40 and a second light source 14b arranged opposite the other main surface of the photocatalyst filter 40. That is, the light sources 14 are arranged on both sides in the thickness direction of the filter unit 12, and can illuminate the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst filter 40 respectively. For example, 12 LEDs 32 are respectively provided on the first light source 14a and the second light source 14b.

[0042] An air supply fan 16 is disposed at the upper part of the housing 20, between the exhaust port 26 and the unit housing 28 (i.e., the filter unit 12), generating an upward airflow (airflow) from the intake port 24 through the unit housing 28 toward the exhaust port 26. That is, air drawn into the housing 20 from the intake port 24 by the air supply fan 16 flows upward through the unit housing 28 and is then discharged out of the housing 20 from the exhaust port 26. A known fan such as a propeller fan or a centrifugal fan can be used as the air supply fan 16.

[0043] Additionally, an activated carbon filter housing 34 is provided at the lower part of the housing 20, between the air intake 24 and the unit housing 28. In this activated carbon filter housing 34, the activated carbon filter 18 is laterally housed, covering the air intake 24. That is, air drawn into the housing 20 from the air intake 24 passes through the activated carbon filter 18 (i.e., through the interior of the activated carbon filter 18) in the thickness direction before flowing into the unit housing 28. The activated carbon filter 18 is a filter in which activated carbon is mounted on a porous substrate such as a non-woven fabric made of synthetic resin. The activated carbon adsorbs and removes odorous components such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide contained in the air.

[0044] Next, the structure of the filter unit 12 will be described. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the filter unit 12 includes a photocatalyst filter 40 and a rectangular frame 42 for holding the photocatalyst filter 40. The photocatalyst filter 40 and the frame 42 are integrally formed.

[0045] The photocatalyst filter 40 is a filter in which a photocatalyst (photocatalyst particles) is mounted on a porous substrate such as a non-woven fabric made of synthetic resin, and it is flexible. The photocatalyst contained in the photocatalyst filter 40 is excited by irradiation with light such as ultraviolet light, generating active oxygen species. These active oxygen species remove (sterilize, purify) bacteria in the air and decompose (deodorize) odor components. Known photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide and tungsten oxide can be used as photocatalysts, with titanium dioxide being preferred.

[0046] Furthermore, the photocatalyst filter 40 is formed in a wavy shape (also called a pleated or corrugated shape) where the mountain 40a and valley 40b extending in the first direction are alternately arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In this embodiment, the photocatalyst filter 40 is formed in a triangular wavy shape with creases 40c formed at the protruding ends (top and bottom) of the mountain 40a and valley 40b, and multiple creases 40c are formed in a manner extending along the first direction. In this way, by forming the photocatalyst filter 40 in a wavy shape, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the photocatalyst filter 40 and to increase the contact area between the photocatalyst filter 40 and the air.

[0047] The retaining frame 42 includes a first frame 44 and a second frame 46 that retain the four sides of the photocatalyst filter 40. The retaining frame 42 is formed of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or a PC / ABS alloy mixed with ABS resin and polycarbonate.

[0048] The first frame 44, serving as a portion for maintaining the wavy shape of the photocatalyst filter 40, is configured to cover both ends of the photocatalyst filter 40 in a first direction. The first frame 44 is configured to have an opening 44a (first opening) allowing airflow through in the first direction, without obstructing the airflow of the blower fan 16. Specifically, the first frame 44 is formed in a wavy shape extending along the ends of the photocatalyst filter 40 in the first direction (i.e., formed to extend wavyly in the second direction), and openings 44a with triangular cross-sections are formed between the inclined plates forming the waves (valleys).

[0049] The second frame 46 is disposed at both ends of the photocatalyst filter 40 in a second direction. The second frame 46 is formed as a rectangular plate extending in a first direction, connecting the ends of the first frame 44 to each other. The second frame 46 forms a ventilation path extending in the first direction, restricting the diffusion of airflow in the second direction (i.e., outside the width of the photocatalyst filter 40).

[0050] Additionally, the retaining frame 42 includes a third frame 48 disposed such that it sandwiches the central portion of the photocatalyst filter 40 in a first direction. Like the first frame 44, the third frame 48 serves as a portion for retaining the wavy shape of the photocatalyst filter 40 and has an opening 48a through which airflow passes in the first direction. In this embodiment, the third frame 48 is formed such that it extends wavyly along the main surface of the photocatalyst filter 40 in a second direction.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the filter unit 12 can be detached from the unit housing 28 by opening the opening and closing cover 50 provided on one side of the housing 20.

[0052] Moreover, in this embodiment, from Figure 2 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the filter unit 12 (photocatalyst filter 40) is housed in the unit housing section 28 such that the airflow generated by the blower fan 16 flows along the first direction (i.e., the direction in which the crease 40c of the photocatalyst filter 40 extends). That is, the filter unit 12 is longitudinally housed in the unit housing section 28 with the first direction being the up-down direction, and the airflow generated by the blower fan 16 flows along the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst filter 40.

[0053] Additionally, the unit housing 28 is provided with a unit guide 52 for guiding the installation and removal of the filter unit 12. The filter unit 12 is guided to the installation position by the unit guide 52. The unit guide 52 has an opening 52a (second opening) that communicates with the opening 44a of the first frame 44 and allows airflow to pass through in the first direction. The unit guide 52 is configured in a manner that does not obstruct the airflow generated by the blower fan 16. Specifically, a pair of unit guides 52 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the unit housing 28, respectively. The unit guides 52 are provided at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction of the filter unit 12 (a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions) and extend in the installation and removal direction (second direction) of the filter unit 12. The unit guides 52 are each formed in an L-shaped cross-section and slidably support the first frame 44 of the filter unit 12. An opening 52a is formed between a pair of unit guides 52, and the opening 52a communicates with the opening 44a when the filter unit 12 is installed in the unit receiving part 28.

[0054] In the air purification device 10 described above, when the power button 22 is turned on, the control unit drives the air blower 16 and illuminates the light source 14 (LED 32) to illuminate the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst filter 40. As the air blower 16 is driven, the air drawn into the housing 20 from the intake port 24 is first adsorbed and deodorized by the activated carbon filter 18. Then, the air passing through the activated carbon filter 18 flows upward along the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst filter 40 in the unit housing 28. By bringing the photocatalyst filter 40 into contact with the air, the organic matter adhering to the photocatalyst filter 40 is decomposed by the photocatalyst, thus purifying the air. Finally, the clean air purified by the photocatalyst filter 40 is discharged outside the housing 20 from the exhaust port 26.

[0055] At this time, by forming the photocatalyst filter 40 in a wave shape, the contact area between the photocatalyst filter 40 and the air is increased, thus enabling efficient air purification. Furthermore, by preventing air from passing through the thickness direction of the photocatalyst filter 40 and instead allowing air to flow along the main surface of the photocatalyst filter 40, pressure loss can be reduced. In particular, by allowing air to flow along the direction in which the mountain 40a and valley 40b of the photocatalyst filter 40 extend, i.e., the first direction, pressure loss can be further reduced appropriately. Moreover, since air flows along both main surfaces of the photocatalyst filter 40, and the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst filter 40 are illuminated using the first light source 14a and the second light source 14b, air purification is more efficient. Furthermore, since the first frame 44 has an opening 44a and the unit guide 52 has an opening 52a, the first frame 44 and the unit guide 52 do not obstruct airflow, allowing air to flow appropriately along the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst filter 40.

[0056] As described above, according to this first embodiment, since the photocatalyst filter 40 is formed in a wavy shape, the large size of the photocatalyst filter 40 can be suppressed, and the contact area between the photocatalyst filter 40 and the air can be increased. Furthermore, by directing the air flow along the direction extending from the mountain portion 40a and valley portion 40b of the photocatalyst filter 40 (i.e., the first direction), pressure loss can be appropriately reduced, thus allowing for miniaturization of the air supply fan 16. Therefore, air can be purified efficiently, and the air purification device 10 can be miniaturized.

[0057] Furthermore, the structure of the filter unit 12 described above is only an example, and its specific structure can be appropriately modified. For example, when the photocatalyst filter 40 is formed in a wave shape, it may not be formed in a triangular wave shape, but in a sine wave shape or a rectangular wave shape, etc.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, a spacing limiting portion 60 can also be formed on the retaining frame 42. The spacing limiting portion 60 is formed to connect the protruding ends of the mountain and valley portions of the first frame 44 in a straight line in the second direction, thereby limiting the wave spacing (the distance between the valleys) of the first frame 44 (extending to the photocatalyst filter 40) to a predetermined interval. If the first frame 44 is formed in a triangular wave shape, the filter unit 12 (the first frame 44 and the photocatalyst filter 40) may sometimes be elastic in the second direction, and the wave spacing of the first frame 44 may deviate. However, by providing the spacing limiting portion 60, the wave spacing of the first frame 44 (extending to the photocatalyst filter 40) can be maintained uniformly.

[0059] Furthermore, instead of integrally molding the photocatalyst filter 40 and the retaining frame 42, the photocatalyst filter 40 and the retaining frame 42 can be manufactured separately and integrated through assembly. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first frame 44 (and the third frame 48) is composed of a first segment 70 and a second segment 72 that can be separated from each other. By fixing the photocatalyst filter 40 between the first segment 70 and the second segment 72, the photocatalyst filter 40 can also be integrated with the holding frame 42. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, by omitting the second frame 46, the first frame 44, which is manufactured separately, is embedded at both ends of the photocatalyst filter 40 in the first direction, thereby enabling the photocatalyst filter 40 to be integrated with the retaining frame 42.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first frame 44 may not be formed in a wavy shape, but rather in a rectangular frame shape. In this case, multiple cuts 44b can be pre-formed on the inner edge of the first frame 44. By embedding the protruding ends of the mountain portions 40a and valley portions 40b of the photocatalyst filter 40 into the cuts 44b, the wavy shape of the photocatalyst filter 40 can be appropriately maintained.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] Next, refer to Figures 10 to 12 The air purification device 10, which is a second embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In this second embodiment, the structure of the unit guide 52 and the first frame 44 differs from that of the first embodiment described above. Since other parts are the same, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to the first embodiment described above, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0062] like Figure 10 As shown, in the second embodiment, a locking portion 52b is formed at the center of the filter unit 12 in the insertion direction on a pair of unit guides 52 respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the unit receiving portion 28. On the other hand, as Figure 11As shown, on the first frame 44, at a position corresponding to the locking portion 52b of the unit guide 52, a positioning protrusion 44c is formed protruding outward from the protruding end of the valley towards the third direction of the photocatalyst filter 40. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, with the filter unit 12 installed in the unit housing 28, the positioning protrusion 44c and the locking part 52b are locked together, thus defining the wave spacing (valley spacing) of the first frame 44 and the photocatalyst filter 40.

[0063] In this second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, not only can the contact area between the photocatalyst filter 40 and the air be increased, but the pressure loss can also be appropriately reduced, thus enabling efficient air purification and miniaturization of the air purification device 10.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, even when the filter unit 12 (first frame 44 and photocatalyst filter 40) is stretchable in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame 44 and photocatalyst filter 40 can be appropriately maintained when the filter unit 12 is installed in the unit housing 28.

[0065] [Third Embodiment] Continue, refer to Figures 13 to 15 The air purification device 10, which is a third embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In this third embodiment, the structure of the unit guide 52 and the first frame 44 differs from that of the first embodiment described above. Since other parts are the same, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to the first embodiment described above, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0066] like Figure 13 As shown, in the third embodiment, a pair of unit guides 52 respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the unit receiving portion 28 have inclined surfaces 52c whose width narrows inward toward the mounting direction of the filter unit 12 (the spacing between the longitudinal walls of the unit guides 52). On the other hand, as Figure 14 As shown, a positioning protrusion 44d is formed on the first frame 44, which protrudes outward from the protruding end of the valley towards the third direction of the photocatalyst filter 40. The protruding length of the positioning protrusion 44d is set to be smaller the closer it is to the inward side of the mounting direction of the filter unit 12. That is, the unit guide 52 and the first frame 44 are respectively formed towards the inward side of the mounting direction of the filter unit 12, and their width (third direction size) becomes narrower. Moreover, as Figure 15 As shown, with the filter unit 12 installed in the unit housing 28, the wave spacing (valley spacing) between the first frame 44 and the photocatalyst filter 40 is defined by the positioning protrusion 44d abutting against the inclined surface 52c of the unit guide 52.

[0067] In this third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, not only can the contact area between the photocatalyst filter 40 and the air be increased, but the pressure loss can also be appropriately reduced, thus enabling efficient air purification and miniaturization of the air purification device 10.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, even when the filter unit 12 is stretchable in the second direction, the wave spacing between the first frame 44 and the photocatalyst filter 40 can be properly maintained when the filter unit 12 is installed in the unit housing 28.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the light source 14 is arranged on both sides of the filter unit 12, but the light source 14 may also be arranged on only one side of the filter unit 12. Alternatively, a reflector may be provided on the side where the light source 14 is not arranged.

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an upward airflow is generated using the blower fan 16, but the direction of the airflow generated by the blower fan 16 can be appropriately changed. For example, a transverse airflow can also be generated using the blower fan 16, and the filter unit 12 can be arranged transversely such that the airflow flows along the first direction. That is, the arrangement direction of the filter unit 12 can be either longitudinal or transverse.

[0071] Furthermore, the specific values ​​and component shapes mentioned above are merely examples and can be appropriately changed according to the needs of product specifications, etc.

[0072] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10…Air purification device; 12… filter units; 14…light source; 16…fan; 20…shell; 24…Intake port; 26…exhaust port; Unit 28… containment department; 40…photocatalyst filter; 40c…crease; 42… Maintain the frame; 44…First Framework; 46…Second Frame; 48…Third Frame; 52… Unit guide component; 60… Interval restriction section.

Claims

1. An air purification device that uses a photocatalyst filter equipped with a photocatalyst to purify air, characterized in that, have: The housing has an air intake and an air exhaust port; A filtration unit, comprising the photocatalyst filter, and a unit housing portion housed within the housing; A light source that illuminates the photocatalyst filter; as well as A blower fan generates an airflow from the intake port through the unit housing toward the exhaust port. The photocatalyst filter is formed in a wave-like shape, with hills and valleys extending along a first direction and alternating in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is housed in the unit housing in such a manner that the airflow flows along the first direction. The filter unit is detachable from the unit housing. The unit housing includes a unit guide that guides the assembly and disassembly of the filter unit and slidably supports the first frame contained within the filter unit. The unit guide has a second opening that communicates with a first opening formed on the first frame. The first frame extends along the end of the photocatalyst filter and is formed in a wavy shape extending along the main surface direction of the photocatalyst filter. The filtering unit includes a retaining frame. The retaining frame has an interval limiting portion that limits the wave spacing of the first frame to a predetermined interval.

2. The air purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame has a first opening that allows the airflow to pass through in the first direction.

3. The air purification device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining frame has a long plate-shaped second frame disposed at both ends in the second direction of the photocatalyst filter and extending in the first direction. The second frame forms the passageway for the airflow.

4. The air purification device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining frame also has a third frame, which extends along the main surface of the photocatalyst filter in the second direction from the central portion of the photocatalyst filter in the first direction. The third frame maintains the wavy shape of the photocatalyst filter.

5. The air purification device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light source includes a first light source that illuminates one main surface of the photocatalyst filter and a second light source that illuminates the other main surface of the photocatalyst filter.

6. An air purification device that uses a photocatalyst filter equipped with a photocatalyst to purify the air, characterized in that, have: The housing has an air intake and an air exhaust port; A filtration unit, comprising the photocatalyst filter, and a unit housing portion housed within the housing; A light source that illuminates the photocatalyst filter; as well as A blower fan generates an airflow from the intake port through the unit housing toward the exhaust port. The photocatalyst filter is formed in a wave-like shape, with hills and valleys extending along a first direction and alternating in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is housed in the unit housing in such a manner that the airflow flows along the first direction. The filter unit is detachable from the unit housing. The unit housing includes a unit guide that guides the assembly and disassembly of the filter unit and slidably supports the first frame contained within the filter unit. The unit guide has a second opening that communicates with a first opening formed on the first frame. The first frame extends along the end of the photocatalyst filter and is formed in a wavy shape extending along the main surface direction of the photocatalyst filter. The unit guide has a locking portion formed in the central part of the mounting direction of the filter unit. The first frame has a positioning protrusion that protrudes outward toward the photocatalyst filter and is engaged by the locking portion.

7. An air purification device that uses a photocatalyst filter equipped with a photocatalyst to purify the air, characterized in that, have: The housing has an air intake and an air exhaust port; A filtration unit, comprising the photocatalyst filter, and a unit housing portion housed within the housing; A light source that illuminates the photocatalyst filter; as well as A blower fan generates an airflow from the intake port through the unit housing toward the exhaust port. The photocatalyst filter is formed in a wave-like shape, with hills and valleys extending along a first direction and alternating in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is housed in the unit housing in such a manner that the airflow flows along the first direction. The filter unit is detachable from the unit housing. The unit housing includes a unit guide that guides the assembly and disassembly of the filter unit and slidably supports the first frame contained within the filter unit. The unit guide has a second opening that communicates with a first opening formed on the first frame. The first frame extends along the end of the photocatalyst filter and is formed in a wavy shape extending along the main surface direction of the photocatalyst filter. The unit guide and the first frame are respectively formed in a shape where the width narrows inward toward the mounting direction of the filter unit.

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