Filter unit and air purifier equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a filter unit that can be formed into pleated shapes of various shapes and sizes. [Solution] A filter unit comprising a rectangular frame body having first and second horizontal frames in the horizontal direction and first and second vertical frames in the vertical direction, and a filter attached to the rectangular frame body, wherein the first and second vertical frames have a plurality of bend-forming portions at opposing positions, each of which includes at least one of notches and cutouts, the vertical frames are bendable at or near the plurality of bend-forming portions, and the rectangular frame body is a filter unit that can be formed into a pleated shape in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter unit and an air purifying apparatus provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] As a filter used in an air purifying apparatus such as a deodorizer or a dust collector, a filter that can be bent into a pleated shape is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The filter of Patent Document 1 includes a filter medium and a filter frame member attached to the outer peripheral edge of the filter medium. The filter frame member has a plurality of grooves with a triangular cross-section extending in the filter width direction, provided at equal intervals in the filter longitudinal direction and alternately on one side and the other side of the filter, and a pleat angle regulating structure is constituted by the plurality of grooves. Further, creases are formed in the filter medium at positions corresponding to the respective grooves of the filter frame member. By pushing this filter into the apparatus housing in a deployed state, the filter is sequentially bent from the inner side of the housing toward the back side due to the insertion resistance and becomes a pleated shape as a whole. Such a filter that can be bent into a pleated shape can increase the filter occupation area in the apparatus housing and improve the air purification ability as compared with a flat filter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The filter described in Patent Document 1 has a pleat angle regulating structure in the filter frame material that allows the filter material to be bent into a pleated shape at a constant angle, so the bending angle of the filter material is constant. Furthermore, the pleat angle regulating structure of the filter in Patent Document 1 is configured so that the filter frame material bends in all grooves. Therefore, with the filter in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to adjust the pleat pitch, the height of the pleat peaks (or the depth of the valleys), etc., by changing at least one of the bending angle or bending position of the filter material to form pleats of various shapes and sizes. For this reason, with the filter in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to manufacture a filter that is appropriate to the shape and size of the filter housing chamber of the device casing.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a filter unit and an air purifier equipped therewith, which have been made in consideration of the above circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a filter unit comprising a rectangular frame having first and second horizontal frames in the horizontal direction and first and second vertical frames in the vertical direction, wherein the first and second vertical frames each have a plurality of bend-forming portions, each of which includes at least one of notches and cutouts at opposing positions, the vertical frames are bendable at or near the plurality of bend-forming portions, and the rectangular frame provides a filter unit that can be formed into a pleated shape in the vertical direction.

[0007] The present invention provides an air purifying device to which a filter unit, in which the rectangular frame is formed in a pleated shape, can be attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the filter unit of the present invention, by adjusting the bending angles and bending positions of multiple bending forming parts, the pitch of the pleats, the height of the pleat peaks (or the depth of the valleys), etc., can be adjusted, and the filter unit can be formed into pleated shapes of various shapes and sizes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an air purifier equipped with a filter unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air purifier shown. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the unfolded state of the filter unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a side view of the filter unit. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged side view of the filter unit shown. [Figure 6] This is a partial plan view of the unfolded state of the filter unit in Modification 1 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a partial plan view of the unfolded state of the filter unit in a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a partial side view of the unfolded state of the filter unit in Modification 3 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a partial side view of the unfolded state of the filter unit in Modification 4 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the unfolded state of the filter unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic internal structure diagram of an air purifier equipped with a filter unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a front view of the unfolded state of the filter unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a partial side view of the unfolded state of the filter unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the air purifier according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0011] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air purifier 1 provided with a filter unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic internal structure diagram of the air purifier 1 shown in FIG. 1. This air purifier 1 is an air purifier having a deodorizing function and a dust collecting function, and includes a housing 2, a filter unit 3 housed in the housing 2, an electric fan 4 for circulating air in the housing 2, and a light source unit 6 for irradiating light 5 to the filter unit 3.

[0012] The housing 2 includes a bottom wall 2a having an air inlet 2x composed of a plurality of small holes, an upper wall 2b having a slit-shaped exhaust port 2y, and a peripheral wall 2c, and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the peripheral wall 2c, the front portion is a detachable lid 2d. When the filter unit 3 is housed in the housing 2 or when the filter unit 3 is taken out from the housing 2, the lid 2d is removed from the housing 2. Legs 7 are provided at the four corners of the lower surface of the bottom wall 2a of the housing 2, and the housing 2 is supported by the legs 7 so that the bottom wall 2a is disposed above the floor surface F.

[0013] A partition wall 2e having ventilation holes 2z composed of a plurality of small holes is provided at a position closer to the upper wall 2b than the upper and lower middle in the housing 2. In the housing 2, the lower part than the partition wall 2e is an air purification chamber having a filter unit housing chamber 8, and the upper part than the partition wall 2e is an electric fan housing chamber 9. In the air purification chamber, plate-shaped light source units 6 are provided on the left and right inner surfaces of the peripheral wall 2c so as to irradiate light 5 toward the filter unit housing chamber 8. In the case of the present embodiment, a plurality of light source units 6 are provided on the left and right inner surfaces in the vertical direction respectively. The light source unit 6 is, for example, an LED lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, a xenon lamp, or the like.

[0014] In the air purification chamber, transparent ventilation path forming plates 10 are provided at positions in the vicinity facing a plurality of light source units 6 on the left side and at positions in the vicinity facing a plurality of light source units 6 on the right side. The lower ends of the left and right ventilation path forming plates 10 abut on the upper surface of the bottom wall 2a, and the upper ends of the left and right ventilation path forming plates 10 abut on the lower surface of the partition wall 2e. Further, the intake port 2x of the bottom wall 2a and the ventilation holes 2z of the partition wall 2e are arranged between the left and right ventilation path forming plates 10. Thereby, the space between the left and right ventilation path forming plates 10 in the air purification chamber serves as a ventilation path, and this ventilation path serves as the filter unit accommodation chamber 8. When the electric fan 4 is driven, outside air flows into the filter unit accommodation chamber 8 in the housing 2 from the intake port 2x, and the air is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 2y through the electric fan accommodation chamber 9 via the ventilation holes 2z.

[0015] The electric fan accommodation chamber 9 houses the electric fan 4 and a circuit board (not shown), and the electric fan 4 and the circuit board are cooled by the air passing through the electric fan accommodation chamber 9. Note that a part of the intake port 2x and a part of the ventilation holes 2z may communicate with the left and right gaps 11, and thereby the plurality of light source units 6 can be cooled by the air flowing through the left and right gaps 11.

[0016] On the upper surface of the upper wall 2b of the housing 2, an alternate operation mode power switch 12 electrically connected to the circuit board is provided. When the power switch 12 is turned on, the electric fan 4 and the plurality of light source units 6 operate, and when the power switch 12 is turned off, the electric fan 4 and the plurality of light source units 6 stop. Note that a changeover switch (not shown) for switching the strength of the driving force of the electric fan 4, a timer switch, a display panel for displaying the strength state of the driving force of the electric fan 4 and the timer setting time, etc. may be provided in the vicinity of the power switch 12 on the upper wall 2b of the housing 2.

[0017] Figure 3 is a front view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 3 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a side view of the filter unit 3 shown in Figure 3. The filter unit 3 comprises a rectangular frame 33 having a first horizontal frame 31a and a second horizontal frame 31b in the lateral direction (short direction) and a first vertical frame 32a and a second vertical frame 32b in the vertical direction (long direction), and a filter 34 attached to the rectangular frame 33. Furthermore, the rectangular frame 33 further comprises at least one intermediate vertical frame 32c parallel to the first vertical frame 32a and the second vertical frame 32b between the first vertical frame 32a and the second vertical frame 32b. The intermediate vertical frame 32c may be provided to reinforce the rectangular frame 33 or the filter 34, or to make it easier for the filter 34 to bend at a predetermined position, but it may also be omitted.

[0018] The first horizontal frame 31a and the second horizontal frame 31b, the first vertical frame 32a and the second vertical frame 32b, and the intermediate vertical frame 32c are each formed from a thin sheet material, for example, a resin sheet with a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm. The longitudinal ends of the first vertical frame 32a and the second vertical frame 32b, and the longitudinal ends of the intermediate vertical frame 32c are joined (e.g., glued or fused) to the first horizontal frame 31a and the second horizontal frame 31b. Alternatively, the rectangular frame 33 may be a single molded product.

[0019] The first vertical frame 32a, the second vertical frame 32b, and the intermediate vertical frame 32c each have a plurality of bend-forming portions 35, each consisting of at least one of a notch and a cut, at opposing positions (on a virtual straight line P parallel to the first horizontal frame 31a and the second horizontal frame 31b), and the first vertical frame 32a, the second vertical frame 32b, and the intermediate vertical frame 32c are bendable at or near the plurality of bend-forming portions 35. Here, in the present invention, "notch" means a portion (including holes and recesses) created by removing a part of the member, and "cut" means a linear groove or slit made by cutting a part of the member with a blade.

[0020] In this embodiment, the multiple bending portions 35 are provided in groups of five, spaced at predetermined intervals L in the vertical direction of the first vertical frame 32a, the second vertical frame 32b, and the intermediate vertical frame 32c, so as to penetrate the surface 55 and back surface 56 (see Figures 3 and 4) of the first vertical frame 32a, the second vertical frame 32b, and the intermediate vertical frame 32c. More specifically, the multiple bending portions 35 are notches cut out in a semicircular shape from the inner surface 32x of the first vertical frame 32a, the inner surface 32y of the second vertical frame 32b, and the left and right sides 32z of the intermediate vertical frame 32c, with the top of each semicircular notch positioned on a virtual straight line P. Furthermore, semicircular notches may also be provided on the outer surface of the first vertical frame 32a and the outer surface of the second vertical frame 32b.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notch in the bent portion 35 of the intermediate vertical frame 32c is smaller than the notch in the bent portion 35 of the first and second vertical frames 32a and 32b. This is because the width of the intermediate vertical frame 32c is narrower than the width of the first and second vertical frames 32a and 32b, and multiple bent portions 35 are provided on the left and right sides 32z of the intermediate vertical frame 32c, so care is taken to prevent the strength of the intermediate vertical frame 32c from decreasing more than necessary.

[0022] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged side view of the filter unit 3 shown in Figure 3. The filter 34 is a photocatalytic filter having a sheet-like filter substrate 51 and a photocatalytic layer 52 laminated on the filter substrate 51. In this embodiment, the photocatalytic layer 52 is laminated on both the front and back surfaces of the filter substrate 51, but it may also be laminated on only one of the two surfaces. The filter substrate 51 is, for example, paper, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, etc., with a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 mm.

[0023] The photocatalytic layer 52 can be formed by, for example, preparing a photocatalytic dispersion by mixing photocatalytic particles such as tungsten oxide and titanium oxide with carbon powder supporting co-catalytic particles such as platinum group metal particles (e.g., particles of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Os, and Ir), a binder, and a solvent, applying this photocatalytic dispersion to the filter substrate 51, and drying the coated layer. Alternatively, the photocatalytic layer 52 may be formed by a thermal spraying method in which heated and molten photocatalytic particles are applied to the filter substrate 51 at high speed to melt and fix them.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the filter 34 is attached to the back surface 56 of the rectangular frame 33, that is, the back surface 56 of the first horizontal frame 31a and the second horizontal frame 31b, the back surface 56 of the first vertical frame 32a and the second vertical frame 32b, and the back surface 56 of the intermediate vertical frame 32c, via an adhesive layer 38. The size of the filter 34 should be such that it covers the rectangular opening of the rectangular frame 33. The filter 34 may also be attached to the surface 55 of the rectangular frame 33.

[0025] Returning to Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the unfolded filter unit 3 is formed into a pleated shape in the vertical direction, for example, as follows: When folding the first and second vertical frames 32a, 32b and the intermediate vertical frame 32c of the rectangular frame 33, first, the multiple folding-forming portions (semicircular notches) 35 on the first virtual straight line P closest to the first horizontal frame 31a are elastically folded in the mountain position, then the multiple folding-forming portions 35 on the next second virtual straight line P are elastically folded in the valley position, and then the multiple folding-forming portions 35 on the third to fifth virtual straight lines P are folded in the mountain position, valley position, and mountain position in order.

[0026] At this time, the rectangular frame 33 is made of a resin plate, and the width at each folding position of the first and second vertical frames 32a, 32b and the intermediate vertical frame 32c is locally narrower than the width at other positions. Therefore, without using any tools, the rectangular frame 33 can be grasped with both hands and folded along each virtual straight line P with approximate accuracy and ease to form a pleated shape. Alternatively, the rectangular frame 33 may be folded using a straight ruler or a backing plate such as a steel angle inclined at a predetermined angle. The folding angle of the rectangular frame 33 at this time can be temporarily set to, for example, about 45°. When the rectangular frame 33 is folded into a pleated shape in this way, the filter 34 also naturally folds into a similar pleated shape. The work of forming the pleated shape of the unfolded filter unit 3 and the work of housing the pleated filter unit 3 in the ventilation passage inside the housing 2 are performed by an operator during or before the assembly of the air purifier 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the pleated filter unit 3 is housed in the filter unit housing chamber 8 horizontally (with the thickness of the filter unit 3 visible) when viewed from the front. In this case, the filter unit 3 can be compressed vertically so that the pleated filter unit 3 can be housed in the filter unit housing chamber 8.

[0028] The filter unit housing chamber 8 is provided with a locking portion 21 that engages with a part of the pleated filter unit 3. In this embodiment, the locking portion 21 is a support rod 21 that receives at least one of the five valleys (two valleys on the left and three valleys on the right) of the pleated filter unit 3. In this embodiment, three vertically aligned support rods 21 that receive the three right-side valleys of the pleated filter unit 3 project horizontally forward from the rear inner surface of the surrounding wall 2c of the filter unit housing chamber 8. The pleated filter unit 3 housed in the filter unit housing chamber 8 is held in place by the locking portion (support rod) 21 so as not to wobble. Note that multiple locking portions (support rods) 21 may be omitted, but it is preferable to provide one or more.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 2 includes an upper positioning section 22 and a lower positioning section 23 for positioning the upper end (first horizontal frame 31a) and lower end (second horizontal frame 31b) of the pleated filter unit 3 housed in the filter unit housing chamber 8. The upper positioning section 22 is located in the upper left corner of the air purification chamber (left gap 11). A slit 22a is provided in the upper end of the left ventilation path forming plate 10 so that the upper end of the pleated filter unit 3 is inserted into the left ventilation path forming plate 10. The lower positioning section 23 is located in the lower left corner of the air purification chamber (left gap 11). A slit 23a is provided in the lower end of the left ventilation path forming plate 10 so that the lower end of the pleated filter unit 3 is inserted into the left ventilation path forming plate 10.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the power switch 12 of the air purifier 1, which houses the pleated filter unit 3, is pressed, the electric fan 4 is driven. The rotation of the electric fan 4 generates suction, and outside air flows into the ventilation passage inside the housing 2 from the lower intake port 2x. In Figure 2, the dotted arrows indicate the airflow. In addition, multiple light sources 6 emit light, and the light 5 from each light source 6 irradiates the filter 34 (see Figure 5) of the filter unit 3, causing the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic layer 52.

[0031] Air flowing into the ventilation passage inside the housing 2 flows in a direction perpendicular to the multiple pleats of the filter 34, comes into contact with the filter 34 (see Figure 5), and passes through it, where some odor substances, bacteria, dust, and other organic matter in the air are adsorbed onto the filter 34. The odor substances adsorbed onto the filter 34 are deodorized by the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic layer 52. In addition, bacteria adsorbed onto the filter 34 are sterilized by the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic layer 52. The air, from which odor substances, dust, and other organic matter have been removed after passing through the pleated filter 34, is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 2y via the ventilation hole 2z and the electric fan housing chamber 9.

[0032] With the pleated filter unit 3 housed within the housing 2, the peaks of each peak on the left side of the filter unit 3 abut or are close to the left ventilation path forming plate 10, and the peaks of each peak on the right side of the filter unit 3 abut or are close to the right ventilation path forming plate 10. As a result, most of the air flowing into the ventilation path (filter unit housing chamber 8) passes through the filter 34 of the filter unit 3 (see Figure 4), thereby increasing the air purification efficiency. In other words, if the gap between the peaks of each peak on the left and right sides of the filter unit 3 and the left and right ventilation path forming plates 10 is too large, the amount of air passing through this gap increases, which tends to decrease the purification efficiency, so it is preferable to make this gap as small as possible. The air purifier 1 of this embodiment may be configured to allow air to flow from top to bottom into the housing 2, and the air may flow in any direction, but it is preferable to configure the air to contact the filter 34 over a wide area, and furthermore, to configure it so that more air passes through the filter 34, in order to increase the air purification efficiency.

[0033] In the filter unit 3 configured in this way, the number of bent portions 35 provided in the vertical direction is not particularly limited. In the filter unit 3 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first vertical frame 32a, the second vertical frame 32b, and the intermediate vertical frame 32c each have five bent portions 35 (notches) at predetermined intervals L in the vertical direction, but for example, they may have nine bent portions 35 (notches) at predetermined intervals L / 2 in the vertical direction. That is, a new bent portion may be provided at an intermediate position between two adjacent bent portions 35 in the five bent portions 35.

[0034] In this way, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the filter unit 3 can be formed into a pleated shape (first pleated shape) as shown in the first embodiment by bending multiple bent forming sections 35 that are separated vertically at predetermined intervals L, and a pleated shape (second pleated shape) can be formed in which the pitch and the height of the peaks (or the depth of the valleys) are smaller than those of the first pleated shape by bending multiple bent forming sections 35 (all bent forming sections 35) that are separated vertically at predetermined intervals L / 2. Furthermore, a pleated shape (third pleated shape) can be formed in which the first pleated shape and the second pleated shape are mixed. In other words, three or more different pleated shapes can be formed with one filter unit 3. Therefore, even with a single filter unit, pleated shapes suitable for multiple air purifiers (housings) of different shapes and sizes can be formed, and as a result, the number of types of filter units to be prepared can be reduced.

[0035] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) Figure 6 is a partial plan view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 60 of Modification 1 of the first embodiment. In Figure 6, elements similar to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this filter unit 60, the multiple bent portions 63 provided in the first vertical frame 62a, the second vertical frame 62b, and the intermediate vertical frame 62c of the rectangular frame 61 consist of triangular cutouts. In Modification 1, the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0036] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) Figure 7 is a partial plan view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 70 of the modified example 2 of the first embodiment. In Figure 7, elements similar to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this filter unit 70, the multiple bend-forming portions 73 provided in the first vertical frame 72a, the second vertical frame 72b, and the intermediate vertical frame 72c of the rectangular frame 71 consist of elliptical perforations. In this case, one bend-forming portion (elliptical perforation) 73 is provided between the inner surface 74a and the outer surface 74b of the first vertical frame 72a, between the inner surface 75a and the outer surface 75b of the second vertical frame 72b, and between the left and right sides 76a of the intermediate vertical frame 72c. Instead of elliptical perforations 73, diamond-shaped perforations, dotted line-shaped (perforated) perforations extending in the horizontal direction, or elliptical, diamond-shaped, or dotted line-shaped recesses may be used as bend-forming portions. Furthermore, semicircular notches may also be provided on the inner surface 74a of the first vertical frame 72a and the inner surface 75a of the second vertical frame 72b, and / or on the outer surface 74b of the first vertical frame 72a and the outer surface 75b of the second vertical frame 72b, as in the first embodiment. In the modified example 2, the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0037] (Modification 3 of the first embodiment) Figure 8 is a partial side view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 80 of Modification 3 of the first embodiment. In this filter unit 80, the rectangular frame 81 consists of a first rectangular frame member 82 on the surface 81a side of the rectangular frame 81 and a second rectangular frame member 83 on the back surface 81b side of the rectangular frame 81. In Modification 3, the filter 34 is attached between the surface 81a and the back surface 81b of the rectangular frame 81 (between the first rectangular frame member 82 and the second rectangular frame member 83) via an adhesive layer 84. Also, in Modification 3, the multiple vertically aligned bending portions 35 (see Figure 3) can be provided on at least one of the first rectangular frame member 82 and the second rectangular frame member 83, but providing them on both improves the bending properties. In Modification 3, the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0038] (Modification 4 of the first embodiment) Figure 9 is a partial side view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 90 of Modification 4 of the first embodiment. In the filter unit 90, the rectangular frame 91 is provided with a plurality of locking protrusions 93 on its back surface 91b, which is opposite to its front surface 91a. Each locking protrusion 93 has an acute-angled tip 93a and a return portion 93b provided near the tip 93a. When attaching the filter 34 to the back surface 91b of the rectangular frame 91, the tips 93a of the plurality of locking protrusions 93 are pierced into the filter 34. As a result, each return portion 93b of the plurality of locking protrusions 93 catches on the filter 34, so that the filter 34 can be attached to the back surface 91b of the rectangular frame 91 without accidentally falling off. Note that the filter 34 can be removed from the locking protrusions 93 by pulling it with a certain amount of force, so it can be replaced with a new filter. In Modification 4, the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0039] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 is a front view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 101 of the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic internal structure diagram of the air purifier 99 equipped with the filter unit 101 of the second embodiment. In Figures 10 and 11, elements similar to those in Figures 3 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The filter unit 101 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the filter unit 3 of the first embodiment (see Figure 3), in addition to having a plurality of notched bend-forming sections 102. The number of bend-forming sections 35 and 102 provided in the vertical direction in this filter unit 101 is not particularly limited. The following mainly describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, in the filter unit 101 of the second embodiment, the multiple bent portions 102 of the rectangular frame 108 are arc-shaped cutouts formed within a range of a central angle of 90°, and are provided on the left outer surface 104a of the left first vertical frame 103a and the right outer surface 104b of the right second vertical frame 103b. The multiple bent portions (arc-shaped cutouts) 102 provided on the first vertical frame 103a curve downward and to the left from the virtual straight line P of the first vertical frame 103a and open at the left outer surface 104a. The multiple bent portions (arc-shaped cutouts) 102 provided on the second vertical frame 103b curve downward and to the right from the virtual straight line P and open at the right outer surface 104b.

[0041] As shown in Figure 11, the filter unit 101 of the second embodiment is formed into a pleated shape in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this case, in the second embodiment, some of the multiple bent portions 35, 102, i.e., the multiple bent portions 102 as arc-shaped cuts, protrude from either the surface 55 or the back surface 56 of the first and second vertical frames 103a, 103b when the first and second vertical frames 103a, 103b are bent at or near the multiple bent portions 102.

[0042] More specifically, at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th peaks from the top of the first and second vertical frames 103a and 103b, the convex curved edge portion 102a of the bending-forming portion (arc-shaped cutout) 102 protrudes from the surface 55 of the first and second vertical frames 103a and 103b. Also, at the 2nd and 4th peaks from the top of the first and second vertical frames 103a and 103b, the convex curved edge portion 102a of the bending-forming portion (arc-shaped cutout) 102 protrudes from the back surface 56 of the first and second vertical frames 103a and 103b. In the second embodiment, the locking portion 105 that engages with a part of the pleated filter unit 101 is a plurality of support rods 105 that sandwich the plurality of protruding edge portions 102a of the filter unit 101 from above and below. In the second embodiment, each support rod 105 is provided in the front-to-back direction on the inner surface of the left and right ventilation passage forming plates 10.

[0043] (Modified version of the second embodiment) The filter unit of the second embodiment can be configured in the same way as the modified examples 1 to 4 of the first embodiment.

[0044] (Third embodiment) Figure 12 is a front view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 110 of the third embodiment. Figure 13 is a partial side view of the unfolded state of the filter unit 110 of the third embodiment. In Figures 12 and 13, elements similar to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the case of the filter unit 110 of the third embodiment, two types of first bent-forming parts 115a and second bent-forming parts 115b, which have different shapes, are provided on the surface 113 and back surface 114 of the first vertical frame 112a, second vertical frame 112b, and intermediate vertical frame 112c of the rectangular frame 111, spaced at a predetermined interval L in the vertical direction.

[0045] In the third embodiment, the first and second bending portions 115a and 115b consist of horizontally extending groove-shaped cuts with different widths and depths. On the surface 113, the first bending portion 115a and the second bending portion 115b are arranged alternately, starting from the side closest to the first horizontal frame 31a, and on the back surface 114, the second bending portion 115b and the first bending portion 115a are arranged alternately, starting from the side closest to the first horizontal frame 31a. In this case, the first and second bending portions 115a and 115b on the surface 113 and the first and second bending portions 115a and 115b on the back surface 114 are arranged in positions opposite to each other.

[0046] Therefore, one first bend-forming portion 115a provided on the surface 113 and a bend-forming portion provided on the back surface 114 at a position opposite to this first bend-forming portion 115a (i.e., a second bend-forming portion 115b) have different shapes. Furthermore, one first bend-forming portion 115a provided on the surface 113 and a bend-forming portion provided on the vertically adjacent back surface 114 (i.e., a first bend-forming portion 115a) have the same shape. Alternatively, one second bend-forming portion 115b provided on the surface 113 and a bend-forming portion provided on the back surface 114 at a position opposite to this second bend-forming portion 115b (i.e., a first bend-forming portion 115a) have different shapes. Furthermore, one second bend-forming portion 115b provided on the surface 113 and the bend-forming portion (i.e., the second bend-forming portion 115b) provided on the vertically adjacent back surface 114 have the same shape.

[0047] In the third embodiment of the filter unit 110, the first bend-forming portion 115a, which has a larger width and depth of groove-shaped cut, can be bent to form a peak, and the second bend-forming portion 115b, which has a smaller width and depth of groove-shaped cut, can be bent to form a valley, thereby forming a pleated shape. It is also possible to form the filter unit 110 in the opposite pleated shape. In the third embodiment, the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, and the number of bend-forming portions 115a and 115b provided in the vertical direction in the filter unit 110 is not particularly limited.

[0048] (Modified version of the third embodiment) The filter unit of the third embodiment can be configured in the same way as the modified examples 3 to 4 of the first embodiment.

[0049] (Fourth Embodiment) A filter unit may be manufactured by appropriately combining the bent portion (semicircular notch) in the first embodiment, the bent portion (triangular notch) in modified example 1 of the first embodiment, the bent portion (elliptical, rhombus, dotted line perforation or recess) in modified example 2 of the first embodiment, the bent portion (arc-shaped cut) in the second embodiment, and the bent portion (groove-shaped cut) in the third embodiment.

[0050] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the air purifier 120 of the fifth embodiment. In Figure 14, elements similar to those in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, the arrows in Figure 14 indicate the airflow. The main difference between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment is the orientation of the filter unit 123 within the air purifier 120; other aspects of the fifth embodiment are generally the same as those of the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the filter unit 123 is housed in the housing 2 such that the multiple peaks (or valleys) of the pleated filter 34 are aligned in the front-to-back direction, or in other words, the multiple peaks (or valleys) of the pleated filter 34 extend in the up-and-down direction. In this filter unit 123, the number of peaks (or valleys) of the pleated filter 34 has increased by approximately double compared to the first embodiment. The air intake port on the bottom wall 2a of the housing 2 is made of a metal mesh 2q, and an activated carbon filter 2i is provided on the metal mesh 2q. Some of the organic matter (odor substances, bacteria, dust, etc.) in the air introduced into the enclosure 2 from the air intake is adsorbed by the activated carbon filter 2i.

[0051] With the air purifier 120 configured in this way, air flowing into the housing 2 via the metal mesh 2q and activated carbon filter 2i flows from bottom to top along the multiple peaks (or valleys) on the front and back surfaces of the pleated filter 34. At this time, light is irradiated from the light source 6 onto the front and back surfaces of the filter 34, and due to the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic layer 52 (see Figure 5) on the front and back surfaces of the filter 34, some odor-causing substances in the air are deodorized and some bacteria in the air are eliminated. In the fifth embodiment, the airflow resistance can be kept lower compared to the first embodiment.

[0052] (Modified version of the fifth embodiment) Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the fifth embodiment. The arrows in Figure 15 indicate the airflow inside the housing (not shown). Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in this modified example, an air intake is provided on the front side of the housing 2, and an electric fan and exhaust port are provided on the rear side. Even in this configuration, as in the first embodiment, air can be flowed in a direction perpendicular to the multiple ridges of the pleated shape of the filter 34.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include combinations of any of the embodiments described above. In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications of the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be considered outside the scope of the present invention. The present invention should encompass all variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1,99,120: Air purifier, 2: Housing, 2a: Bottom wall, 2b: Top wall, 2c: Surrounding wall, 2d: Cover, 2e: Partition wall, 2i: Activated carbon filter, 2q: Metal mesh, 2x: Intake port, 2y: Exhaust port, 2z: Ventilation hole, 3,60,70,80,90,101,110,123: Filter unit, 4: Electric fan, 5: Light, 6: Light source unit, 7: Legs, 8: Filter unit housing, 9: Electric fan housing, 10: Ventilation path forming plate, 11: Gap, 12: Power switch, 21,105: Locking part (support rod), 22: Upper positioning part, 22a: Slit, 23: Lower positioning part, 23a: Slit, 31a: First horizontal frame, 31b: Second horizontal frame, 32a, 62a, 72a, 103a, 112a: First vertical frame, 32b, 62b, 72b, 103b, 112b: Second vertical frame, 32c, 62c, 72c, 112c: Intermediate vertical frame, 33, 61, 71, 81, 91, 100, 108, 111: Rectangular frame, 32x, 32y: Inner surface, 32z: Side, 34: Filter, 35: Folding formation part (semicircular cutout), 38, 84: Adhesive layer, 51: Filter substrate, 52, 84: Photocatalytic layer, 55: Surface, 56: Back surface, 63: Folding formation part (triangular cutout), 73: Folding formation part (elliptical perforation), 74a: Left inner surface, 74b,104a: Left outer surface, 75a: Right inner surface, 75b,104b: Right outer surface, 81a,91a,113: Front surface, 81b,91b,114: Back surface, 82: First rectangular frame member, 83: Second rectangular frame member, 93: Locking projection, 93a: Tip, 93b: Return part, 102: Folding formation part (arc-shaped cut), 102a: Protruding edge, 115a: First folding formation part (groove-shaped cut), 115b: Second folding formation part (groove-shaped cut), F: Floor surface, L: Spacing, P: Imaginary straight line

Claims

1. It comprises a rectangular frame having first and second horizontal frames in the horizontal direction and first and second vertical frames in the vertical direction, and a filter attached to the rectangular frame, The first and second vertical frames each have a plurality of bending-forming portions at opposing positions, which include at least one of notches and cutouts. The vertical frame is bendable at or near the plurality of bending-forming portions. The rectangular frame is a filter unit that can be formed into a pleated shape in the vertical direction.

2. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of bent forming portions are provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction of the vertical frame so as to penetrate the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame.

3. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of bent forming portions are provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction of the vertical frame, on the inner surface or outer surface of the vertical frame, or at least one location between the inner surface and outer surface of the vertical frame, so as to penetrate the front surface and back surface of the vertical frame.

4. The plurality of folding portions are provided on the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction of the vertical frame. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the bend-forming portion provided on the surface and the bend-forming portion provided on the back surface at a position opposite to the bend-forming portion provided on the surface have different shapes.

5. The plurality of folding portions are provided on the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction of the vertical frame. The bending portion provided on the surface and the bending portion provided on the back surface at a position opposite to the bending portion provided on the surface have different shapes. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the bent portion provided on the surface and the bent portion provided on the vertically adjacent back surface have the same shape.

6. The rectangular frame further comprises at least one intermediate vertical frame parallel to the first and second vertical frames between the first and second vertical frames, The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one intermediate vertical frame has a plurality of bent portions at positions facing each of the plurality of bent portions of the first and second vertical frames.

7. The plurality of bending-forming portions are configured including the cuts, The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the plurality of bent portions protrudes from either the front or back surface of the vertical frame when the vertical frame is bent at or near the plurality of bent portions.

8. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the filter is attached on the front surface or back surface of the rectangular frame, or between the front surface and the back surface of the rectangular frame.

9. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the filter is a photocatalytic filter.

10. An air purifier capable of mounting a filter unit in which the rectangular frame body according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is formed in a pleated shape.

11. An air purifying device to which a filter unit formed in a pleated shape can be attached to the rectangular frame body according to claim 7, and which comprises a locking portion capable of locking a part of the protruding bent portion of the filter unit.

12. An air purifying device to which a filter unit formed in a pleated shape can be attached to the rectangular frame body according to claim 9, and comprising a light source unit for irradiating the photocatalytic filter with light.

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