Air Purifier

Abstract

To reduce the body size of an air cleaner 50.SOLUTION: An air cleaner 50 comprises: a case 60; light sources 72a, 73a, 74a; and a photocatalyst 92 for generating photocatalytic reaction with ultraviolet light from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a to purify air in an air channel 110. The case 60 forms a heat sink which discharges heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b along with radiation of ultraviolet light into the air channel 110 through photocatalyst filters 90A, 90B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifying device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an air purifying device that includes a casing that forms an air passage, a light emitting diode disposed within the air passage, and a photocatalytic filter (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this air purifier, the light emitting diode irradiates the photocatalytic filter with ultraviolet light to generate a photocatalytic reaction, which then purifies the air. A heat sink is disposed within the casing to dissipate heat from the light emitting diode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2016-540532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A heat sink for dissipating heat from the light emitting diode is disposed inside the casing of the air purifier of Patent Document 1. This causes a problem that the size of the casing, and therefore the air purifier, becomes large.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an air purifying device having a reduced size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an air purifying device according to the present invention includes a case (60) having a flow path forming portion (63) that forms an air flow path (110); A light source (72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b) for emitting light; a photocatalyst (92) disposed in the case for purifying air in the air flow path by generating a photocatalytic reaction in response to light from the light source; The case forms a heat sink that dissipates heat generated by the light source as light is emitted into the air flow path. death, A photocatalyst support portion (91) is disposed in the case and supports a photocatalyst, The case releases heat generated from the light source into the air flow path via the photocatalyst carrier and the photocatalyst, thereby transmitting the heat generated from the light source to the photocatalyst; In the case where the main flow direction of the air flow in the air flow path is a first direction (DR1) and the direction intersecting the first direction is a second direction (DR2), The photocatalyst support is disposed in the air flow path, The light source is disposed in the case on one side in the second direction with respect to the center in the second direction of the photocatalyst carrier, The flow path forming portion is a first side portion (63e) disposed on one side in the second direction with respect to the air flow path; a second side portion (63f) disposed on the other side in the second direction with respect to the air flow path; and a beam portion (63a, 63b, 63c, 163a, 163b, 163c, 166) that is disposed in a first direction with respect to the photocatalyst support, connects between the first side portion and the second side portion, and provides heat transferred from the light source through the first side portion to the photocatalyst support, In the case where a direction that intersects with the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (DR3), The beam portions (163a, 163b, 163c, 170) are formed so that the dimension in the third direction increases from the center in the second direction toward the first side. .

[0008] This allows the size of the case to be made smaller than when a heat sink is used in addition to the case, making it possible to provide an air purifying device with a smaller size.

[0009] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of an interior air conditioning unit of a vehicle air conditioner to which an air purifying device in a first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of an air purifying device according to a first embodiment, viewed from above in the vertical direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifying device according to a second embodiment, the cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifying device according to a third embodiment, the cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifying device according to a fourth embodiment, the cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a top view of an air purifying device in a fifth embodiment, seen from above in the up-down direction, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a top view of an air purifying device in a sixth embodiment, seen from above in the up-down direction, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a top view of an air purifying device in a seventh embodiment, seen from above in the up-down direction, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a top view of the air purifying device in the eighth embodiment, seen from above in the up-down direction, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a top view of the air purifying device in the ninth embodiment, seen from above in the up-down direction, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top view of the air purifying device according to the tenth embodiment, seen from above in the up-down direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 21 is a top view of the air purifying device in the eleventh embodiment, seen from above in the up-down direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifying device according to a twelfth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifying device according to a thirteenth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 23 is a top view of a part of a photocatalytic filter of an air purifying device in a thirteenth embodiment, viewed from above in the vertical direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings in order to simplify the description.

[0012] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 etc. In this embodiment, an example in which an air purifying device of the present disclosure is applied to an interior air conditioning unit 1 of a vehicle air conditioner will be described.

[0013] The arrows indicating up and down shown in the drawings indicate the up-down direction DR1 based on the direction of gravity when the interior air conditioning unit 1 is installed in the vehicle. Note that the up-down direction DR1 does not limit the position of the interior air conditioning unit 1 in a situation where the interior air conditioning unit 1 is not installed in the vehicle, such as during manufacture, sale, or transportation. The interior air conditioning unit 1 is disposed inside the instrument panel located at the frontmost part of the vehicle interior. The interior air conditioning unit 1 is disposed in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat in the vehicle travel direction.

[0014] The interior air conditioning unit 1 has an air conditioning casing 10 that forms an air ventilation passage 100. An air ventilation passage that blows air toward the vehicle cabin is formed inside the air conditioning casing 10. An inside air inlet 11 and an outside air inlet 12 are formed at the most upstream portion of the ventilation passage of the air conditioning casing 10.

[0015] An inside / outside air switching door 13 is rotatably disposed inside the air conditioning casing 10. The inside / outside air switching door 13 switches the air intake mode among an inside air mode, an outside air mode, and an inside / outside air mode. The inside air mode is an intake mode in which inside air is introduced through the inside air inlet 11.

[0016] The outside air mode is a suction mode in which outside air is introduced through the outside air inlet 12. The inside / outside air mode is a suction mode in which inside air and outside air are introduced through both the inside air inlet 11 and the outside air inlet 12. The inside / outside air switching door 13 is driven by a servo motor (not shown).

[0017] A blower 14 that generates an air current to be blown into the vehicle cabin is disposed downstream of the inside / outside air switching door 13. In this embodiment, the blower 14 is disposed below the inside / outside air switching door 13. The blower 14 is an electric blower, and has a centrifugal blower fan 141 and a motor 142 that drives the blower fan 141. The blower 14 is capable of changing the blowing capacity, including the air volume and the wind speed, by changing the rotation speed of the motor 142.

[0018] An evaporator 15 that cools the air flowing inside the air conditioning casing 10 is disposed downstream of the blower 14. The evaporator 15 is a cooling heat exchanger that cools the air blown by the blower 14. The evaporator 15 is one of the elements that constitute a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0019] Meanwhile, in the indoor air-conditioning unit 1, a heater core 16 that heats the air flowing inside the air-conditioning casing 10 is disposed downstream of the evaporator 15. The heater core 16 is a heating heat exchanger that uses hot water from the vehicle engine as a heat source to heat the cold air that has passed through the evaporator 15. A bypass passage 17 is formed on the side of the heater core 16, and air that bypasses the heater core 16 flows through the bypass passage 17.

[0020] An air mix door 18 is slidably disposed between the evaporator 15 and the heater core 16. The air mix door 18 is driven by an actuator (not shown) so that its opening degree can be continuously adjusted. The ratio between the amount of hot air passing through the heater core 16 and the amount of cold air passing through the bypass passage 17 and bypassing the heater core 16 is adjusted by the opening degree of the air mix door 18. This adjusts the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin.

[0021] At the most downstream portion of the ventilation passage 100 of the air conditioning casing 10, there are provided a defroster opening 19 for blowing conditioned air toward the windshield, a face opening 20 for blowing conditioned air toward the face of the occupant, and a foot opening 21 for blowing conditioned air toward the feet of the occupant.

[0022] A defroster door 22, a face door 23, and a foot door 24 are rotatably arranged upstream of the defroster opening 19, the face opening 20, and the foot opening 21, respectively. The defroster door 22, the face door 23, and the foot door 24 constitute a mode switching door that switches the blowing mode. The mode switching doors are opened and closed by a common actuator via a link mechanism (not shown).

[0023] The indoor air-conditioning unit 1 configured in this manner has a filter unit 30 provided inside the air-conditioning casing 10, upstream of the blower 14. The filter unit 30 purifies the air introduced into the inside of the air-conditioning casing 10.

[0024] The filter unit 30 is disposed in the ventilation passage 100 inside the air conditioning casing 10. The filter unit 30 includes a pre-filter 40 and an air purifier 50. The filter unit 30 is disposed in the order of the pre-filter 40 and the air purifier 50 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow in the ventilation passage 100. That is, the pre-filter 40 and the air purifier 50 are disposed in series with respect to the air flow in the ventilation passage 100.

[0025] The pre-filter 40 and the air purifying device 50 are detachably attached to the air conditioning casing 10. This makes it possible to clean or replace the pre-filter 40 and the air purifying device 50 when performing maintenance or the like.

[0026] The pre-filter 40 is a filter that captures foreign matter such as dust, dirt, pollen, etc. contained in the air upstream of a photocatalytic filter described below. The pre-filter 40 is disposed in a position in which its thickness direction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0027] Depending on the installation state of the interior air conditioning unit 1 in the vehicle, the pre-filter 40 may be installed with its thickness direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0028] The prefilter 40 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the prefilter 40. The prefilter 40 has a filter medium in the form of a breathable sheet folded into pleats, and end plates that reinforce the filter medium. The filter medium of the prefilter 40 is made of, for example, a resin nonwoven fabric.

[0029] The air purifying device 50 purifies the air by deodorizing and sterilizing the air that has passed through the prefilter 40 through a photocatalytic reaction.

[0030] Next, the structure of the air purifying device 50 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a view of the air purifying device 50 as viewed from above in the up-down direction DR1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. For ease of explanation, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction DR1 is referred to as a width direction DR2, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction DR1 and perpendicular to the width direction DR2 is referred to as a depth direction DR3.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the air purifying device 50 includes a case 60, light source units 70A and 70B, light guiding rods 80, 81 and 82, and photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0033] The case 60 is formed in a flat shape that expands in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3. The case 60 is formed with an air flow path 110 that allows air from the pre-filter 40 to pass therethrough.

[0034] The air flow path 110 of this embodiment is configured so that the main flow of air flows from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction DR1. In other words, the flow direction of the main flow in the air flow path 110 coincides with the vertical direction DR1. The main flow is the air flow with the largest volume among the multiple air flows flowing in the air flow path 110.

[0035] The case 60 includes an upper case portion 61 and a lower case portion 62. The upper case portion 61 includes an upper wall 61a and side walls 61b, 61c, 61d, and 61e. The upper wall 61a is formed in a planar shape extending in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3. The upper wall 61a includes a flow path forming portion 63 that forms the air flow path 110. The flow path forming portion 63 is exposed in the air flow path 110.

[0036] The flow path forming portion 63 includes beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c. The beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c connect a side portion 63e on one side in the width direction DR2 of the flow path forming portion 63 to a side portion 63f on the other side in the width direction DR2. The beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c are each formed to extend across the width direction DR2. Here, the side 63e of the flow path forming portion 63 on one side in the width direction DR2 constitutes a first side, and the side 63f of the flow path forming portion 63 on the other side in the width direction DR2 constitutes a second side.

[0037] The beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c are arranged at intervals in the depth direction DR3 within the air flow path 110. As a result, the beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c separate the air flow path 110 into four air flow paths. The beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c each play a role in ensuring the rigidity of the flow path forming portion 63.

[0038] The beams 63a, 63b, and 63c in this embodiment are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2 via the photocatalyst 92. The beams 63a, 63b, and 63c transmit heat transmitted from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a and the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b through the side portions 63e and 63f to the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0039] 3, the side wall 61b of the upper case portion 61 is formed on one side of the upper wall 61a in the width direction DR2, and the side wall 61c is formed on the other side of the upper wall 61a in the width direction DR2.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, the side wall 61d is formed on one side of the upper wall 61a in the depth direction DR3. The side wall 61e is disposed at an interval in the depth direction DR3 from the side wall 61d. The side wall 61e is formed on the other side of the upper wall 61a in the depth direction DR3. The side walls 61b, 61c, 61d, and 61e are each connected to the upper wall 61a.

[0041] The lower case portion 62 includes a lower wall 62a and side walls 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e. The lower wall 62a is disposed below the upper wall 61a of the upper case portion 61 in the up-down direction DR1 with a gap therebetween. The lower wall 62a is formed in a planar shape extending in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3. The lower wall 62a includes a flow path forming portion 64 that forms the air flow path 110. The flow path forming portion 64 is exposed within the air flow path 110.

[0042] The flow passage forming portion 64 includes beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c. The beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c each connect one side portion of the flow passage forming portion 64 in the width direction DR2 to the other side portion of the flow passage forming portion 64 in the width direction DR2.

[0043] Here, one side of the flow path forming portion 64 in the width direction DR2 constitutes a first side, and the other side of the flow path forming portion 64 in the width direction DR2 constitutes a second side. The beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c are each formed to extend across the width direction DR2.

[0044] The beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c are arranged at intervals in the depth direction DR3 within the air flow path 110. As a result, the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c divide the air flow path 110 into four air flow paths. The beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c each play a role in ensuring the rigidity of the flow path forming portion 64.

[0045] The beams 64a, 64b, and 64c in this embodiment are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B in the width direction DR2 via the photocatalyst 92. The beams 64a, 64b, and 64c transmit heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a of the light source unit 70A and the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b of the light source unit 70B to the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0046] 3, the side wall 62b is formed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the lower wall 62a. The side wall 62b is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the side wall 61b of the upper case portion 61. In this embodiment, the side wall 62b is in contact with the side wall 61b of the upper case portion 61 over the depth direction DR3.

[0047] The side wall 62c is formed on the other side of the lower wall 62a in the width direction DR2. The side wall 62c is disposed at an interval in the width direction DR2 from the side wall 62b. The side wall 62c is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 from the side wall 61c of the upper case portion 61. The side wall 62c in this embodiment is in contact with the side wall 61c of the upper case portion 61 across the depth direction DR3.

[0048] 4, the side wall 62d is formed on one side in the depth direction DR3 with respect to the lower wall 62a. The side wall 62d is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the side wall 61d of the upper case portion 61. In this embodiment, the side wall 62d is in contact with the side wall 61d of the upper case portion 61 across the width direction DR2.

[0049] The side wall 62e is formed on the other side of the lower wall 62a in the depth direction DR3. The side wall 62e is disposed on one side of the side wall 61e of the upper case portion 61 in the depth direction DER3 with a gap therebetween.

[0050] The side wall 62e of this embodiment is in contact with the side wall 61e of the upper case portion 61 across the width direction DR2. The side walls 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e are each connected to the lower wall 62a.

[0051] In the case 60 configured in this manner, the air flow path 110 is formed by the upper wall 61a of the upper case portion 61, and the lower wall 62a, side walls 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e of the lower case portion 62. The case 60 of this embodiment is made of a metal material containing aluminum, which has excellent thermal conductivity.

[0052] The case 60 of this embodiment constitutes a heat sink that dissipates heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a of the light source unit 70A and the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b of the light source unit 70B to the air flow path 110 via the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0053] As a result, the case 60 transmits heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a and the light sources 72b, 73b, 74b to the photocatalyst 92 through the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0054] 2 and 3, the light source unit 70A is disposed below the photocatalytic filter 90A in the up-down direction DR1 in the case 60. The light source unit 70A is disposed above the photocatalytic filter 90B in the up-down direction DR1.

[0055] The light source unit 70A is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B. That is, the light source unit 70A is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the center in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B.

[0056] The light source unit 70A is disposed between the upper wall 61a and the lower wall 62a. Specifically, the light source unit 70A is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110. As a result, the light source unit 70A is covered from above in the vertical direction DR1 by the upper wall 61a. The light source unit 70A is covered from below in the vertical direction DR1 by the lower wall 62a.

[0057] The light source unit 70A includes a substrate 71a and light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a. The substrate 71a is supported by an upper case portion 61 and a lower case portion 62. The substrate 71a is formed in a long plate shape extending in the up-down direction DR1 and the depth direction DR3.

[0058] The substrate 71a is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the side wall 62b of the lower case portion 62, and is in contact with the side wall 62b over the depth direction DR3. As a result, the substrate 71a plays a role in transmitting heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a to the case 60. The substrate 71a in this embodiment is made of a metal material containing aluminum, which has excellent thermal conductivity.

[0059] The light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a are first light sources mounted on the other side of the substrate 71a in the width direction DR2. The light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a are supported by the substrate 71a. The light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a are arranged at intervals in the depth direction DR3. The light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a of this embodiment are each configured by a light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light as light.

[0060] 2 and 3, the light source unit 70B is disposed below the photocatalytic filter 90A in the up-down direction DR1 in the case 60. The light source unit 70B is disposed above the photocatalytic filter 90B in the up-down direction DR1 (i.e., the first direction).

[0061] The light source unit 70B is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 (i.e., the second direction) with respect to the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B. That is, the light source unit 70B is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the center in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B.

[0062] The light source unit 70B is disposed between the upper wall 61a and the lower wall 62a. Specifically, the light source unit 70B is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110. As a result, the light source unit 70B is covered from above in the vertical direction DR1 by the upper wall 61a. The light source unit 70B is covered from below in the vertical direction DR1 by the lower wall 62a.

[0063] The light source unit 70B includes a substrate 71b and light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b. The substrate 71b is supported by an upper case part 61 and a lower case part 62. The substrate 71b is formed in a long plate shape extending in the up-down direction DR1 and the depth direction (i.e., the third direction) DR3.

[0064] The substrate 71b is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the side wall 62c of the lower case portion 62, and is in contact with the side wall 62c over the depth direction DR3. As a result, the substrate 71b plays a role in transmitting heat from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b to the case 60. The substrate 71b in this embodiment is made of a metal material containing aluminum, which has excellent thermal conductivity.

[0065] The light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b are second light sources mounted on one side of the substrate 71b in the width direction DR2. The light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b are supported by the substrate 71b. The light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b are arranged at intervals in the depth direction DR3.

[0066] The light source 72b is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the light source 72a. The light source 73b is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the light source 73a. The light source 74b is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the light source 74a.

[0067] In this embodiment, the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b are each formed of a light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light.

[0068] The light guiding bars 80, 81, and 82 are arranged at intervals in the depth direction DR3 in the case 60. That is, the light guiding bars 80, 81, and 82 are arranged at intervals in the depth direction DR3 in the air flow path 110.

[0069] The light guiding rods 80, 81, and 82 of this embodiment are each formed in a rod shape extending in the width direction DR2. The light guiding rods 80, 81, and 82 are supported by the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c of the lower case part 62 via the photocatalytic filter 90B, respectively.

[0070] The light guiding rods 80, 81, and 82 are made of acrylic resin or silicone resin and have translucency that allows ultraviolet light to pass through. The light guiding rod 80 is disposed between the light sources 72a and 72b. The light guiding rod 80 emits ultraviolet light incident from the light sources 72a and 72b to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. The light guiding rod 81 is disposed between the light sources 73a and 73b.

[0071] The light guiding rod 81 emits ultraviolet light incident from the light sources 73a and 73b to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. The light guiding rod 82 is disposed between the light sources 74a and 74b. The light guiding rod 82 emits ultraviolet light incident from the light sources 74a and 74b to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0072] The photocatalytic filter 90A is disposed in the air flow path 110. Specifically, the center of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the depth direction DR3 coincides with the center of the air flow path 110 in the depth direction DR3. The photocatalytic filter 90A is disposed so that the center of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2 coincides with the center of the air flow path 110 in the width direction DR2.

[0073] The photocatalytic filter 90A is supported by the flow passage forming portion 64 and the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c of the lower case portion 62 via the light guiding bars 80, 81, and 82, and the photocatalytic filter 90B. The photocatalytic filter 90A is disposed below the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c in the up-down direction DR1.

[0074] The photocatalytic filter 90A is formed in a thin plate shape extending in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3. The photocatalytic filter 90A is disposed between the beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c and the light guiding rods 80, 81, and .

[0075] One end portion and the other end portion of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2 are in contact with the flow path forming portion 63 via the photocatalyst 92. One end portion and the other end portion of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the depth direction DR3 are in contact with the flow path forming portion 63 via the photocatalyst 92.

[0076] In addition, the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is in contact with the beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c via the photocatalyst 92 in the width direction DR2.

[0077] The photocatalytic filter 90B is disposed in the air flow path 110. Specifically, the center of the photocatalytic filter 90B in the depth direction DR3 coincides with the center of the air flow path 110 in the depth direction DR3. The photocatalytic filter 90B is disposed so that the center of the photocatalytic filter 90B in the width direction DR2 coincides with the center of the air flow path 110 in the width direction DR2.

[0078] The photocatalytic filter 90B is formed in a thin plate shape expanding in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3. The photocatalytic filter 90B is disposed between the beams 64a, 64b, 64c and the light guide rods 80, 81, 82. The photocatalytic filter 90B is supported by the flow passage forming part 64 and the beams 64a, 64b, 64c of the lower case part 62. The photocatalytic filter 90B is disposed above the beams 64a, 64b, 64c in the up-down direction DR1.

[0079] One end and the other end in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B are in contact with the flow path forming portion 64 via the photocatalyst 92. One end and the other end in the depth direction DR3 of the photocatalytic filter 90B are in contact with the flow path forming portion 64 via the photocatalyst 92. In addition, the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is in contact with the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c across the width direction DR2 via the photocatalyst 92.

[0080] Here, the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B are supported by the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A via a holding member 76a as shown in Fig. 3. The holding member 76a is disposed between the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B and the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A. The holding member 76a serves to suppress the transfer of heat from the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0081] The photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B are supported by the substrate 71b of the light source unit 70B via the holding member 76b. The holding member 76b is disposed between the substrate 71b of the light source unit 70B and the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. The holding member 76b serves to suppress the transfer of heat from the substrate 71b of the light source unit 70B to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0082] The holding members 76b, 76b in this embodiment are made of a resin material.

[0083] Each of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B includes a substrate 91 having a plurality of through holes 91a penetrating in the up-down direction DR1, and a photocatalyst 92 supported on the surface of the substrate 91. The substrate 91 is made of a metal material containing aluminum and is formed in the shape of a thin plate extending in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3.

[0084] The base material 91 constitutes a photocatalyst support portion that supports the photocatalyst 92. The photocatalyst 92 in this embodiment is composed of powdered titanium oxide or the like. In this embodiment, the photocatalyst filters 90A and 90B purify the air flowing through the air flow path 110 by causing a photocatalytic reaction in the photocatalyst 92 by ultraviolet light irradiated from the light guiding rods 80, 81, and 82, respectively.

[0085] Next, the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0086] First, in the indoor air-conditioning unit 1, when the blower fan 141 is rotationally driven by the motor 142, air is introduced into the inside of the air-conditioning casing 10 via at least one of the inside air inlet 11 and the outside air inlet 12.

[0087] The air introduced into the inside of the air conditioning casing 10 flows into the filter unit 30 and is purified. Specifically, the air that flows into the pre-filter 40 has foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and pollen removed as it passes through the pre-filter 40.

[0088] The air from which foreign matter has been removed by the prefilter 40 flows into the air flow path 110 of the case 60 of the air purifier 50. For this reason, the flow path forming parts 63 and 64 come into direct contact with the air flow in the air flow path 110.

[0089] At this time, power is supplied to the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a of the light source unit 70A and the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b of the light source unit 70B in the air purifying device 50. Then, the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b each emit ultraviolet light.

[0090] The light guiding rod 80 guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the light sources 72a and 72b to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. The light guiding rod 81 guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the light sources 73a and 73b to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. The light guiding rod 82 guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the light sources 74a and 74b to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. At this time, the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B are activated by the ultraviolet light guided from the light guiding rods 80, 81, and 82.

[0091] On the other hand, the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a each generate heat as they emit ultraviolet rays.

[0092] A portion of the heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a is transferred to the flow passage forming portion 63 through the substrate 71a, the side wall 62b of the lower case portion 62, the side wall 61b of the upper case portion 61, and the upper wall 61a.

[0093] A part of the heat transferred to the flow passage forming portion 63 is transferred to one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2, one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the depth direction DR3, and the other end.

[0094] Of the heat transferred to the flow passage forming portion 63, the remaining heat, other than the part transferred to one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2, one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the depth direction DR3, and the other end, is transferred to the beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c. This transferred heat is given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A from the beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c.

[0095] Furthermore, the remaining heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a other than the heat given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is transferred to the side wall 62b, the bottom wall 62a, and the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower case portion 62.

[0096] A portion of the heat transferred from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a to the flow path forming portion 64 is transferred to one end of the substrate 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B in the width direction DR2, one end of the substrate 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B in the depth direction DR3, and the other end.

[0097] On the other hand, the remaining heat, other than the part of the heat transferred to one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B in the width direction DR2, one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B in the depth direction DR3, and the other end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B, is transferred to the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c. The transferred heat is given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B from the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c.

[0098] On the other hand, the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b each generate heat as they emit ultraviolet rays.

[0099] A part of the heat generated from the light sources 72b, 73b, 74b is transferred to the flow passage forming portion 63 through the substrate 71b, the side wall 62c of the lower case portion 62, the side wall 61c of the upper case portion 61, and the upper wall 61a.

[0100] Part of the heat transferred to the flow passage forming portion 63 is transferred to the other end portion in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A, one end portion in the depth direction DR3 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A, and the other end portion.

[0101] On the other hand, the remaining heat, other than the part of the heat transferred to one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2, one end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the depth direction DR3, and the other end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A, is transferred to the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c. The transferred heat is given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A from the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c.

[0102] Furthermore, the remaining heat generated from the light sources 72b, 73b, 74b other than the heat given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is transferred through the side wall 62c of the lower case portion 62 to the flow passage forming portion 64 of the lower wall 62a.

[0103] A part of the heat transferred to the flow passage forming portion 64 is transferred to the other end portion in the width direction DR2, one end portion in the depth direction DR3, and the other end portion of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0104] On the other hand, the remaining heat, other than the part of the heat transferred from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b to the flow passage forming portion 64 to the other end portion of the photocatalytic filter 90B, one end portion in the depth direction DR3, and the other end portion, is transferred to the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c. This transferred heat is given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B from the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c.

[0105] In this way, heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is transmitted from the flow path forming portion 63 to one end and the other end in the width direction DR2 and one end and the other end in the depth direction DR3 of the substrate 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0106] Furthermore, heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is applied to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A by the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c. In this manner, heat is transferred to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A, and the base material 91 releases the heat to the air flow path 110 through the photocatalyst 92.

[0107] That is, the case 60 transfers heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalyst 92 through the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0108] Similarly, heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is transmitted from the flow passage forming portions 63 and 64 to the other end portion in the width direction DR2 and one end portion and the other end portion in the depth direction DR3 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0109] Furthermore, heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is applied to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B by the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c. In this manner, heat is transferred to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B, and the base material 91 releases the heat to the air flow path 110 through the photocatalyst 92.

[0110] That is, the case 60 transfers heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalyst 92 through the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0111] As a result, the amount of heat transferred to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B is uniformed across the surface direction. The surface direction is a surface direction that extends in each of the depth direction DR3 and the width direction DR2.

[0112] At this time, the photocatalysts 92 of the photocatalyst filters 90A and 90B are further activated by the heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b.

[0113] In particular, as described above, the amount of heat transferred to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B is uniformed across the surface. Therefore, the photocatalyst 92 is activated across the surface. Therefore, the photocatalyst 92 generates a photocatalytic reaction across the surface.

[0114] At this time, organic matter and bacteria that cause unpleasant odors contained in the air that has flowed into the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B are oxidized and decomposed by the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst 92. This results in deodorization and sterilization of the air passing through the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0115] Furthermore, the flow path forming portions 63 and 64 of the case 60 are exposed to the air flow path 110. Therefore, part of the heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is released to the air in the air flow path 110.

[0116] The air that has been deodorized and sterilized by the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B is sucked into the blower fan 141, has its temperature adjusted by the evaporator 15 and the heater core 16, and is then blown out into the passenger compartment from the defroster opening 19, the face opening 20, and the foot opening 21.

[0117] According to the present embodiment described above, the air purifying device 50 includes a case 60 having flow path forming parts 63, 64 that form an air flow path 110. The air purifying device 50 includes light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b that irradiate ultraviolet light through light guiding rods 80, 81, and 82 to the photocatalysts 92 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0118] The photocatalyst 92 is disposed in the case 60, and purifies the air in the air flow path 110 by generating a photocatalytic reaction in response to ultraviolet light from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b.

[0119] The case 60 releases heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through the substrates 91 and photocatalysts 92 of the photocatalyst filters 90A and 90B to the air flow path 110. This allows the case 60 to provide the heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalysts 92.

[0120] At this time, the case 60 constitutes a heat sink that releases heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b in association with irradiation of ultraviolet rays to the air flow path 110 via the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0121] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the case 60, and therefore the size of the air purifying device 50, compared to when a heat sink is used other than the case 60. In addition, since there is no need to provide a heat sink other than the case 60, costs can be reduced.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the following advantages (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) can be obtained.

[0123] (1) The air purifying device 50 includes photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B having a substrate 91 that supports a photocatalyst 92. The substrate 91 provides the photocatalyst 92 with heat transmitted from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through the case 60. Therefore, the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst 92 can be promoted by effectively utilizing the heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b.

[0124] (2) The case 60 of the air purifier 50 includes a flow path forming portion 63 that forms the air flow path 110. The flow path forming portion 63 includes beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c that connect the side portions 63e and 63f and provide heat transferred from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through the side portions 63e and 63f to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0125] Here, the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c are each formed to extend in the width direction DR2. This allows heat to be applied from the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A from the upper side in the up-down direction DR1 across the width direction DR2.

[0126] In addition, the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c are arranged in the depth direction DR3. Therefore, heat can be applied from the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A from the upper side in the up-down direction DR1 to the depth direction DR3.

[0127] Therefore, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92 in the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0128] (3) The case 60 of the air purifying device 50 has a flow path forming portion 64 that forms the air flow path 110. The flow path forming portion 64 has beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c that connect one side portion in the width direction DR2 to the other side portion in the width direction DR2.

[0129] The beam portions 64a, 64b, 64c provide heat transferred from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b through one side portion and the other side portion of the flow passage forming portion 64 to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0130] Here, the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c are each formed to extend in the width direction DR2. This allows heat to be applied from the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B from the lower side in the up-down direction DR1 across the width direction DR2.

[0131] In addition, the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c are arranged in the depth direction DR3. Therefore, heat can be applied from the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B from the lower side in the up-down direction DR1 to the depth direction DR3.

[0132] Therefore, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0133] (4) The light source unit 70A is disposed on one side of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B in the width direction DR2. The light source unit 70B is disposed on the other side of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B in the width direction DR2. This makes it possible to prevent uneven irradiation of ultraviolet rays to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0134] In particular, light from light source units 70A and 70B is applied to photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B through light guiding rods 80, 81 and 82. This makes it possible to further prevent unevenness in the irradiation of ultraviolet light to light source units 70A and 70B.

[0135] (5) The light guiding bars 80, 81, and 82 are covered from above in the vertical direction DR1 by the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c. The light guiding bars 80, 81, and 82 are covered from below in the vertical direction DR1 by the beams 64a, 64b, and 64c. This makes it possible to suppress pressure loss caused by the air flow in the air flow path 110.

[0136] (6) The light source unit 70A is disposed between the upper wall 61a and the lower wall 62a on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. The light source unit 70B is disposed between the upper wall 61a and the lower wall 62a on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. This makes it possible to prevent ultraviolet light from leaking from the light source units 70A and 70B to areas other than the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0137] (7) The case 60, the substrates 71a and 71b of the light source units 70A and 70B, and the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B are each made of a metal material containing aluminum. Therefore, the case 60, the substrates 71a and 71b of the light source units 70A and 70B, and the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B can promote heat transfer from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalytic filters 92.

[0138] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation effect to the case 60 is as follows.

[0139] When the temperatures of the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b are 90 degrees, the temperature t3 of the side portion 63e of the flow path forming portion 63 of the upper case portion 61 is 50°C, and the temperature t of the side portion 63f is 50°C. The temperature t2 of the beam portion 63c is 35°C, and the temperature t1 of the air in the air flow path 110 is 30°C.

[0140] From the above, it is confirmed that heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is efficiently conducted through the case 60 to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0141] Second embodiment In this second embodiment, an example in which the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B impart elastic force to the beam portions 63b, 64b in the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment, so that the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B come into close contact with the beam portions 63b, 64b, will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0142] The second embodiment and the first embodiment have the same configuration, except for the configurations of the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B and the beam portions 63b, 64b. In Fig. 5, the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 4 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] The other end 65 of the beam 63b of the upper case 61 in the depth direction DR3 is crimped and plastically deformed downward in the up-down direction DR1. Therefore, the contact portion 93 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A that contacts the other end 65 of the beam 63b is pressed by the other end 65 of the beam 63b.

[0144] In this case, the other end 65 of the beam portion 63b may be in contact with the base material 91 in a state where it is fitted into the through hole in the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A. Alternatively, the other end 65 of the beam portion 63b may be in contact with a through hole forming portion that forms a through hole in the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0145] Accordingly, the contact portion 93 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is in a state of being elastically deformed downward in the vertical direction DR1. Therefore, the contact portion 93 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is in contact with the other end portion 65 of the beam portion 63b while applying an elastic force to the other end portion 65 of the beam portion 63b.

[0146] Therefore, the contact portion 93 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is in close contact with the other end portion 65 of the beam portion 63b in the depth direction DR3 via the photocatalyst 92. This allows heat to be effectively transferred from the beam portion 63b to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0147] In addition, one end 66 of the beam 64b of the lower case 62 in the depth direction DR3 is crimped and plastically deformed upward in the up-down direction DR1. Therefore, the contact portion 94 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B that contacts the one end 66 of the beam 64b is pressed by the one end 66 of the beam 64b.

[0148] Accordingly, the contact portion 94 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is in a state of elastic deformation upward in the vertical direction DR1. Therefore, the contact portion 93 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is in contact with the one end portion 66 of the beam portion 64b while applying an elastic force to the one end portion 66 of the beam portion 64b.

[0149] Therefore, the contact portion 94 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is in close contact with one end portion 66 of the beam portion 64b via the photocatalyst 92. This allows heat to be efficiently transferred from the beam portion 64b to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0150] According to the present embodiment described above, the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A forms a contact portion 93 that contacts the other end portion 65 of the beam portion 63b of the upper case portion 61 while applying an elastic force to the other end portion 65. Therefore, the base material 91 can be reliably contacted with the beam portion 63b of the upper case portion 61. This allows heat to be effectively transferred from the beam portion 63b of the upper case portion 61 to the base material 91 and, ultimately, to the photocatalyst 92.

[0151] In addition, the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B forms a contact portion 94 that contacts one side end 66 of the beam portion 64b of the lower case portion 62 in a state where an elastic force is applied to the one side end 66. Therefore, the base material 91 can reliably contact the beam portion 64b of the lower case portion 62. This allows heat to be efficiently transferred from the beam portion 64b of the lower case portion 62 to the base material 91 and, ultimately, to the photocatalyst 92.

[0152] As a result, the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B can be effectively activated by heat. This promotes the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B. This promotes the purification of air by the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0153] Third embodiment In the above-described second embodiment, an example was described in which one end 66 of the beam portion 64b in the depth direction DR3 is crimped and plastically deformed upward in the vertical direction DR1. However, the present third embodiment is not limited to this, and will be described with reference to FIG. 6 in which the other end of the beam portion 64b in the depth direction DR3 is crimped and plastically deformed upward in the vertical direction DR1.

[0154] The third embodiment and the second embodiment have the same configuration, except for the configuration of the photocatalytic filter 90B and the beam portion 64b. In Fig. 6, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 5 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] The other end 67 of the beam 64b of the lower case 62 in the depth direction DR3 is crimped and plastically deformed upward in the up-down direction DR1. Therefore, the contact portion 95 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B, which contacts the other end 67 of the beam 64b, receives a force from the other end 67 and is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0156] Accordingly, the contact portion 95 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B contacts the other end 67 of the beam portion 64b while applying an elastic force to the other end 67 of the beam portion 64b. Therefore, the contact portion 95 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is in close contact with the other end 67 of the beam portion 64b via the photocatalyst 92.

[0157] This allows heat to be conducted well from the beam portion 64b to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B, and further to the photocatalyst 92.

[0158] According to the present embodiment described above, similarly to the second embodiment, the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is in contact with the beam portion 63b in a state in which the contact portion 93 exerts an elastic force on the beam portion 63b. Therefore, the heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b can be effectively transferred to the photocatalyst 92 through the beam portion 63b and the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0159] The base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is in contact with the beam portion 64b in a state where the contact portion 95 exerts an elastic force on the beam portion 64b. Therefore, the heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b can be effectively transferred to the photocatalytic filter 90B through the beam portion 64b.

[0160] As a result, the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalyst filters 90A and 90B can be effectively activated by heat. This promotes the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst filters 90A and 90B. This promotes the purification of air by the photocatalyst filters 90A and 90B.

[0161] (Fourth embodiment) In this fourth embodiment, an example in which the beam portion 63b is formed in an L-shaped cross section in the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0162] The air purifying device 50 of the fourth embodiment and the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment differ only in the cross-sectional shape of the beam portion 63b, and the other configurations are the same.

[0163] A cross-sectional view of the beam portion 63b of the air purifying device 50 of the fourth embodiment cut along a cutting surface parallel to the vertical direction DR1 and the depth direction DR3 is formed in an L-shape. The other side 68 of the beam portion 63b in the depth direction DR3 is formed to protrude upward in the vertical direction DR1. The other side 68 of the beam portion 63b in the depth direction DR3 is connected to the prefilter 40.

[0164] The beam portion 63b in this embodiment constitutes a partition wall that separates the air flow path 110 into one side in the depth direction DR3 and the other side in the depth direction DR3. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately separate the outside air and the inside air and circulate them between the one side and the other side in the depth direction DR3 of the air flow path 110.

[0165] Fifth embodiment In the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment, the beam portions 63a, 63b, 63c of the upper case portion 61 have the same dimension in the depth direction DR3 across the width direction DR2.

[0166] However, instead of this, an example in which the beam portions 163a, 163b, and 163c are formed so that the dimensions in the depth direction DR3 increase as they approach the side portions 63e and 63f from the center in the width direction DR2 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 2 indicate the same things, and their description will be omitted.

[0167] The air purifying device 50 of the fifth embodiment includes beams 163a, 163b, and 163c instead of the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c in the upper case 51 of the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the beams 163a, 163b, and 163c will be described below, and descriptions of the other components will be omitted.

[0168] The beam portion 163a includes inclined portions 150a and 151a. The inclined portion 151a is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the inclined portion 150a. The inclined portion 151a is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portion 63e. The inclined portion 150a is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portion 63f.

[0169] The beam portion 163b includes inclined portions 150b and 151b. The inclined portion 151b is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the inclined portion 150b. The inclined portion 151b is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portion 63e. The inclined portion 150b is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portion 63f.

[0170] The beam portion 163c includes inclined portions 150c and 151c. The inclined portion 151c is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the inclined portion 150c. The inclined portion 151c is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portion 63e. The inclined portion 150c is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portion 63f.

[0171] The beams 163a, 163b, and 163c are disposed on the upper side of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the vertical direction DR1. The beams 163a, 163b, and 163c are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A through the photocatalyst 92 in the width direction DR2. The beams 163a, 163b, and 163c transmit heat transmitted from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a and the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b through the side portions 63e and 63f to the photocatalytic filter 90A. The beams 163a, 163b, and 163c are disposed so that their respective central portions in the width direction DR2 coincide with the central portions in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0172] In this embodiment, although not shown, the lower case portion 62 is provided with a first beam portion, a second beam portion, and a third beam portion in place of the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c.

[0173] The first beam portion is disposed below in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the beam portion 163a of the upper case portion 61. Similar to the beam portion 163a, the first beam portion is formed such that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward one side portion and the other side portion in the width direction DR2.

[0174] Here, the one side portion is a side portion of the flow path forming portion 63 of the lower case part 62 that is formed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110. The other side portion in the width direction DR2 is a side portion of the flow path forming portion 63 of the lower case part 62 that is formed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110.

[0175] The second beam portion is disposed below in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the beam portion 163b of the upper case portion 61. Similar to the beam portion 163b, the second beam portion is formed such that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward one side portion and the other side portion in the width direction DR2.

[0176] The third beam portion is disposed below in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the beam portion 163c of the upper case portion 61. Similar to the beam portion 163c, the third beam portion is formed such that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward one side portion and the other side portion in the width direction DR2.

[0177] The first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the third beam portion are each disposed below the photocatalytic filter 90B in the up-down direction DR1. The first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the third beam portion are each in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B via the photocatalyst 92 across the width direction DR2. The first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the third beam portion transmit heat transmitted from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a and the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b through the side portions 63e and 63f to the photocatalytic filter 90B. The first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the third beam portion are arranged so that their respective central portions in the width direction DR2 correspond to the respective central portions in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0178] According to the present embodiment described above, the beam portions 163a, 163b, and 163c of the upper case portion 61 are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as they approach the side portions 63e and 63f of the flow path forming portion 63 from the center in the width direction DR2.

[0179] Therefore, while ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path 110, a larger amount of heat can be transferred from the side portions 63e, 63f to the center in the width direction DR2 of the beam portions 163a, 163b, 163c compared to the first embodiment. For this reason, a large amount of heat can be transferred from the side portions 63e and 63f to the center side in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92 in the planar direction. The surface direction is a surface direction extending in a width direction DR2 and a depth direction DR3.

[0180] The first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the second beam portion of the lower case portion 62, like the beam portions 163a, 163b, and 163c, are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as they approach one side portion and the other side portion of the flow path forming portion 64 from the center in the width direction DR2.

[0181] Therefore, while ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path 110, a larger amount of heat can be transferred from one side and the other side of the flow path forming portion 64 to the first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the center of the second beam portion in the width direction DR2, compared to the first embodiment described above.

[0182] The cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path 110 is the area of ​​a cross section obtained by cutting the air flow path 110 along a cutting plane including the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3.

[0183] Therefore, a large amount of heat can be transferred from one side and the other side of the flow passage forming part 64 to the center side in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92 in the surface direction.

[0184] Sixth embodiment In the fifth embodiment, the beam portions 163a, 163b, and 163c are formed so that the dimensions in the depth direction DR3 become larger from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portions 63e and 63f.

[0185] However, instead, flat portions 154a, 154b, and 154c having the same dimension in the depth direction DR3 are added to the center of the width direction DR2 of the beam portions 163a, 163b, and 163c. A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0186] The sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment have the same configuration except for the beams 163a, 163b, and 163c. Therefore, the following mainly describes the beams 163a, 163b, and 163c. In Fig. 9, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 9 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0187] The beam portion 163a of this embodiment includes inclined portions 152a, 153a, and a flat portion 154a. The flat portion 154a is disposed in the center in the width direction DR2. The inclined portion 153a is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the flat portion 154a. The dimension of the inclined portion 153a in the depth direction DR3 increases from the flat portion 154a toward the side portion 63e.

[0188] The inclined portion 152a is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the flat portion 154a. The dimension of the inclined portion 152a in the depth direction DR3 increases from the flat portion 154a toward the side portion 63f.

[0189] The beam portion 163b includes inclined portions 152b, 153b and a flat portion 154b. The flat portion 154b is disposed in the center in the width direction DR2. The inclined portion 153b is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the flat portion 154b. The dimension of the inclined portion 153b in the depth direction DR3 increases from the flat portion 154b toward the side portion 63e.

[0190] The inclined portion 152b is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the flat portion 154b. The dimension of the inclined portion 152b in the depth direction DR3 increases from the flat portion 154b toward the side portion 63f.

[0191] The beam portion 163c includes inclined portions 152c, 153c, and a flat portion 154c. The flat portion 154c is disposed in the center in the width direction DR2. The inclined portion 153c is disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the flat portion 154c. The dimension of the inclined portion 153c in the depth direction DR3 increases from the flat portion 154c toward the side portion 63e.

[0192] The inclined portion 152c is disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the flat portion 154c. The dimension of the inclined portion 152c in the depth direction DR3 increases from the flat portion 154c toward the side portion 63f.

[0193] Here, the flat portions 154a, 154b, and 154c are arranged so as to coincide with the center portions in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B, respectively.

[0194] In this embodiment, although not shown, the lower case portion 62 is provided with a first beam portion, a second beam portion, and a third beam portion in place of the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c.

[0195] The first beam portion is disposed below in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the beam portion 163a of the upper case portion 61. Similar to the beam portion 163a, the first beam portion is formed such that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center side in the width direction DR2 toward one side portion and the other side portion in the width direction DR2.

[0196] Here, the one side portion is a side portion of the flow path forming portion 63 of the lower case part 62 that is formed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110. The other side portion in the width direction DR2 is a side portion of the flow path forming portion 63 of the lower case part 62 that is formed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110.

[0197] The second beam portion is disposed below in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the beam portion 163b of the upper case portion 61. Similar to the beam portion 163b, the second beam portion is formed such that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward one side portion and the other side portion in the width direction DR2.

[0198] The third beam portion is disposed below in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the beam portion 163c of the upper case portion 61. Similar to the beam portion 163c, the third beam portion is formed such that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center side in the width direction DR2 toward one side portion and the other side portion in the width direction DR2.

[0199] The first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the third beam portion each have a flat portion formed at the center in the width direction DR2. The flat portions are portions having the same dimension in the depth direction DR3. Here, the first beam portion, the second beam portion, and the third beam portion are arranged so that their respective flat portions coincide with the center in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0200] According to the present embodiment described above, the beams 163a, 163b, 163c of the upper case portion 61 are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the center in the width direction DR2 toward the side portions 63e, 63f.

[0201] Therefore, while ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path 110, a larger amount of heat can be transferred from the side portions 63e, 63f to the center in the width direction DR2 of the beam portions 163a, 163b, 163c compared to the first embodiment.

[0202] For this reason, a large amount of heat can be transferred from the side parts 63e and 63f to the center side in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the surface direction.

[0203] Similarly, in the first beam portion, second beam portion, and second beam portion of the lower case portion 62, a large amount of heat can be transferred from one side portion and the other side portion of the flow path forming portion 64 to the center of the first beam portion, second beam portion, and second beam portion in the width direction DR2 while maintaining the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path 110.

[0204] Therefore, a large amount of heat can be transferred from one side portion and the other side portion to the center side in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the surface direction.

[0205] Seventh embodiment In the above first embodiment, an example in which the upper case portion 61 is provided with the beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c has been described.

[0206] However, instead of this, a seventh embodiment in which protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c are provided on the upper case portion 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0207] The air purifying device 50 of this embodiment is provided with protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c instead of the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c of the upper case part 61 in the air purifying device 50 of the above-mentioned first embodiment. In Fig. 10, the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 2 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0208] The protrusion 164a is provided in place of the beam 63a, and protrudes from the side 63e toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 164a is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side 63e from its tip.

[0209] The protrusion 164b is provided in place of the beam 63b, and protrudes from the side 63e toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 164b is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side 63e from its tip.

[0210] The protrusion 164c is provided in place of the beam 63c, and protrudes from the side 63e toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 164c is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side 63e from its tip.

[0211] The protrusion 165a is provided in place of the beam 63a, and protrudes from the side 63f toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 165a is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side 63f from its tip.

[0212] The protrusion 165b is provided in place of the beam 63b, and protrudes from the side 63f toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 165b is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side 63f from its tip.

[0213] The protrusion 165c is provided in place of the beam 63c, and protrudes from the side 63f toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 165c is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side 63f from its tip.

[0214] In this embodiment, the protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c each have a flat tip that extends in the depth direction DR3. Similarly, the protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c each have a flat tip that extends in the depth direction DR3.

[0215] The protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c are disposed on the upper side of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the vertical direction DR1. The protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A through the photocatalyst 92 across the width direction DR2. The protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c transmit heat transmitted from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a through the side portion 63e to the photocatalytic filter 90A. The protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c transmit heat transmitted from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b through the side portion 63f to the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0216] The photocatalytic filter 90A is disposed so that its center in the width direction DR2 coincides with the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. Therefore, the protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c protrude from the side portion 63e toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filter 90A. The protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c protrude from the side portion 63f toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0217] The protrusions 164a and 165a are disposed at the same position as the light sources 72a and 72b in the depth direction DR3. The protrusions 164b and 165b are disposed at the same position as the light sources 73a and 73b in the depth direction DR3. The protrusions 164c and 165c are disposed at the same position as the light sources 74a and 74b in the depth direction DR3.

[0218] Furthermore, the air purifying device 50 of this embodiment has a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a third protrusion, a fourth protrusion, a fifth protrusion and a sixth protrusion replacing the beam portions 64a, 64b and 64c of the lower case portion 62 in the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment described above.

[0219] The first protrusion is provided in place of the beam portion 64a, and protrudes from one side in the width direction DR2 of the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower wall 62a toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The first protrusion is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side on one side in the width direction DR2 from its tip.

[0220] The second protrusion is provided in place of the beam portion 64b, and protrudes from one side in the width direction DR2 of the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower wall 62a toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The second protrusion is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side on one side in the width direction DR2 from its tip.

[0221] The third protrusion is provided in place of the beam portion 64c, and protrudes from one side in the width direction DR2 of the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower wall 62a toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The third protrusion is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side on one side in the width direction DR2 from its tip.

[0222] The fourth protrusion is provided in place of the beam portion 64a, and protrudes from the other side in the width direction DR2 of the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower wall 62a toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The fourth protrusion is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the other side in the width direction DR2 from its tip.

[0223] The fifth protrusion is provided in place of the beam portion 64b, and protrudes from the other side in the width direction DR2 of the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower wall 62a toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The fourth protrusion is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the other side in the width direction DR2 from its tip.

[0224] The sixth protrusion is provided in place of the beam portion 64c, and protrudes from the other side in the width direction DR2 of the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower wall 62a toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The sixth protrusion is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the other side in the width direction DR2 from its tip.

[0225] The first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, the fourth protrusion, the fifth protrusion, and the sixth protrusion are disposed on the lower side in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the photocatalytic filter 90B. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, the fourth protrusion, the fifth protrusion, and the sixth protrusion are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B via the photocatalyst 92 across the width direction.

[0226] The base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is in contact with the flow passage forming portion 63 of the upper case part 61 via the photocatalyst 92. The photocatalytic filter 90A is supported by the flow passage forming portion 63 of the upper case part 61.

[0227] The base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is in contact with the flow passage forming portion 64 of the lower case part 62 via the photocatalyst 92. The photocatalytic filter 90A is supported by the flow passage forming portion 64 of the lower case part 62.

[0228] In the air purifying device 50 of the present embodiment, the light guiding bars 80, 81, and 82 in the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment are not used.

[0229] Next, the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0230] First, in the indoor air-conditioning unit 1, the air from which foreign matter has been removed by the pre-filter 40 flows into the air flow path 110 of the case 60 of the air purifying device 50.

[0231] At this time, the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b irradiate the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B with ultraviolet light, respectively. Therefore, the photocatalysts 92 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B are activated by the ultraviolet light.

[0232] On the other hand, the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a each generate heat as they emit ultraviolet rays.

[0233] A part of the heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a is transferred to the flow passage forming part 63 through the substrate 71a, the side wall 62b of the lower case part 62, the side wall 61b of the upper case part 61, and the upper wall 61a. A part of the heat transferred to the flow passage forming part 63 is transferred to one end part in the width direction DR2, one end part in the depth direction DR3, and the other end part of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0234] Of the heat transferred from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a to the flow path forming portion 63, the remaining heat other than the heat transferred to one end of the substrate 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2, one end of the substrate 91 in the depth direction DR3, and the other end of the substrate 91 is transferred to the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c.

[0235] The transferred heat is given from the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A through the photocatalyst 92.

[0236] Furthermore, the remaining heat generated from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a other than the heat given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is transferred to the side wall 62b, the lower wall 62a, and the flow path forming part 64 of the lower case part 62. A part of the heat transferred from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a to the flow path forming part 64 is transferred to one end part in the width direction DR2, one end part in the depth direction DR3, and the other end part of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0237] Of the heat transmitted from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a to the flow passage forming portion 64, the remaining heat other than the part transmitted to one end in the width direction DR2, one end in the depth direction DR3, and the other end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is transmitted to the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion. This transmitted heat is given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B from the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion via the photocatalyst 92.

[0238] On the other hand, the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b each generate heat as they emit ultraviolet light. A part of the heat generated from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b is transferred to the flow passage forming portion 63 through the substrate 71b, the side wall 62c of the lower case portion 62, the side wall 61c of the upper case portion 61, and the upper wall 61a.

[0239] A part of the heat transferred to the flow passage forming portion 63 is transferred to the other end portion in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A, one end portion in the depth direction DR3, and the other end portion.

[0240] Of the heat transmitted from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b to the flow passage forming portion 63, the remaining heat other than the part transmitted to one end in the width direction DR2, one end in the depth direction DR3, and the other end of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is transmitted to the protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c. This transmitted heat is given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A from the protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c via the photocatalyst 92.

[0241] Furthermore, the remaining heat generated from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b other than the heat given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is transferred to the side wall 62b, the bottom wall 62a, and the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower case portion 62.

[0242] At this time, part of the heat transferred from the light sources 72b, 73b, 74b to the flow passage forming portion 64 is transferred to the other end portion in the width direction DR2, one end portion in the depth direction DR3, and the other end portion of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0243] On the other hand, the remaining heat, other than the part of the heat transferred from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b to the flow passage forming portion 64 to one end and the other end in the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B, is transferred to the fourth protrusion, the fifth protrusion, and the sixth protrusion. This transferred heat is given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B from the fourth protrusion, the fifth protrusion, and the sixth protrusion.

[0244] In this way, heat from light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is provided by the flow path forming portion 63 to one side and the other end of the substrate 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2 and one side end and the other end of the substrate 91 in the depth direction DR3.

[0245] Heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is applied to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A by the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c.

[0246] Therefore, the case 60 releases heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the air flow path 110 through the base material 91 and photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalyst filter 90A. As a result, the case 60 transfers heat to the photocatalyst 92 via the base material 91 of the photocatalyst filter 90A.

[0247] Similarly, heat from light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b is provided by flow path forming portions 63, 64 to one end and the other end in the depth direction DR3 and one end and the other end in the width direction DR2 of the substrate 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0248] Heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is applied to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B by the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, the fourth protrusion, the fifth protrusion, and the sixth protrusion. Therefore, in the photocatalytic filter 90B, heat is transferred from the base material 91 to the photocatalyst 92.

[0249] That is, the case 60 releases heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the air flow path 110 through the base material 91 and photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalyst filter 90B. As a result, the case 60 transfers heat to the photocatalyst 92 via the base material 91 of the photocatalyst filter 90B.

[0250] This allows the amount of heat given to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B to be uniform across the surface direction, which is a surface direction extending in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3.

[0251] At this time, the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B can be prevented from having unevenness in the surface direction in activation by heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b.

[0252] At this time, organic matter and bacteria that cause unpleasant odors contained in the air that has flowed into the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B are evenly oxidized and decomposed by the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst 92. As a result, the air passing through the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B is evenly deodorized and sterilized.

[0253] According to the present embodiment described above, the flow path forming portion 63 of the upper case portion 61 transmits heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to one end and the other end in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filter 90A, and one end and the other end in the depth direction DR3.

[0254] In addition, the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c transfer heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A via the photocatalyst 92.

[0255] Therefore, the amount of heat given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is uniformed over the surface direction. Therefore, in the photocatalytic filter 90A, the amount of heat given from the base material 91 to the photocatalyst 92 is uniformed over the surface direction. Therefore, the activation of the photocatalyst 92 is also uniformed over the surface direction. Therefore, the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst 92 occurs evenly, and the air in the air flow path 110 is purified well.

[0256] Similarly, the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower case portion 62 transmits heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to one end and the other end in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filter 90A and one end and the other end in the depth direction DR3.

[0257] In addition, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth protrusions provide heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b and 74b to the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0258] Therefore, the amount of heat given to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B is uniformed over the surface direction. Therefore, in the photocatalytic filter 90B, the amount of heat given from the base material 91 to the photocatalyst 92 is uniformed over the surface direction. Therefore, the activation of the photocatalyst 92 is also uniformed over the surface direction. Therefore, the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst 92 occurs evenly, and the air in the air flow path 110 is purified well.

[0259] According to the present embodiment described above, the following advantages (8), (9), (10), and (11) can be obtained.

[0260] (8) The protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as the protrusions approach the side portion 63e from their respective tips. Therefore, the protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c can transfer a large amount of heat from the side portion 63e to the center of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2.

[0261] (9) The protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as the protrusions approach the side portion 63f from their respective tips. Therefore, the protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c can transfer a large amount of heat from the side portion 63f to the center of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2.

[0262] Therefore, the amount of heat transferred to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A is uniform across the depth direction DR3 and the width direction DR2. Therefore, uneven activation of the photocatalyst 92 can be suppressed.

[0263] (10) The first, second and third protrusions of the lower case 62 are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the tip to the one side, similar to the protrusions 164a, 164b and 164c. Therefore, the first, second and third protrusions can transmit a large amount of heat from the one side to the center of the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0264] (11) The fourth, fifth, and sixth protrusions of the lower case 62 are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the tip to the other side, similar to the protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c. Therefore, the fourth, fifth, and sixth protrusions can transmit a large amount of heat from the other side to the center of the width direction DR2 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0265] Therefore, the photocatalytic filter 90B also provides the same effects as the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0266] Eighth embodiment In the seventh embodiment, an example was described in which the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c were provided in the flow path forming portion 63. However, in addition to this, an eighth embodiment in which the protrusions 164a and 165a are used to form a beam portion 170 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 10 indicate the same parts, and their description will be omitted.

[0267] The air purifying device 50 of this embodiment is obtained by adding a beam portion 170 to the air purifying device 50 of the seventh embodiment, and therefore a description of the configuration other than the beam portion 170 will be omitted.

[0268] The beam portion 170 of this embodiment is composed of a connection portion 171 that connects between the protrusions 164a and 165a. The beam portion 170 is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side portion 63e of the flow path forming portion 63 from the center side in the width direction DR2. The beam portion 170 is in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A via the photocatalyst 92. Furthermore, the beam portion 170 is formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as it approaches the side portion 63f of the flow path forming portion 63 from the center side in the width direction DR2. The beam portion 170 and the protrusions 164a, 165a, 164b, and 165b are arranged on the upper side in the up-down direction DR1 with respect to the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0269] According to the present embodiment described above, in addition to the protrusions 164b, 164c, 165b, and 165c, the beam portion 170 is added to the flow path forming portion 63 of the upper case portion 61. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the flow path forming portion 63.

[0270] In addition, according to this embodiment, heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b is transferred to the photocatalytic filter 90A through the beam portion 170. Therefore, a large amount of heat can be transferred from the side portions 63e and 63f of the flow path forming portion 63 to the center portion in the width direction DR1 of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0271] This makes the amount of heat transferred to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A uniform across the depth direction DR3 and the width direction DR2. This makes it possible to prevent uneven activation of the photocatalyst 92.

[0272] Ninth embodiment In the seventh embodiment, an example has been described in which the tip ends of the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c are each formed flat and extend in the depth direction DR3.

[0273] However, instead, a ninth embodiment in which protrusions 166a-166e, 167a-167e that are curved and convex toward the center of the air flow path 110 in the width direction DR2 are provided on the flow path forming portion 63 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 10 indicate the same parts, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0274] The protrusions 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d, and 166e each protrude from a side portion 63e of the flow path forming portion 63 of the upper case portion 61 toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusions 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d, and 166e are each aligned in the depth direction DR3.

[0275] The protrusions 167a, 167b, 167c, 167d, and 167e each protrude from a side portion 63f of the flow path forming portion 64 of the lower case portion 62 toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusions 167a, 167b, 167c, 167d, and 167e are each aligned in the depth direction DR3.

[0276] The protrusions 166a and 167a are disposed at the same position as the light sources 72a and 72b in the depth direction DR3. The protrusions 166c and 167c are disposed at the same position as the light sources 73a and 73b in the depth direction DR3. The protrusions 166e and 167e are disposed at the same position as the light sources 74a and 74b in the depth direction DR3.

[0277] The protrusion 166b is disposed between the protrusions 166a and 166c. The protrusion 166d is disposed between the protrusions 166c and 166e. The protrusion 167b is disposed between the protrusions 167a and 167c. The protrusion 167d is disposed between the protrusions 167c and 167e.

[0278] The protrusions 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d, and 166e are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from their respective tips toward the side portion 63e, similar to the protrusion 164a in the seventh embodiment.

[0279] Like the protrusion 165a in the seventh embodiment, the protrusions 167a, 167b, 167c, 167d, and 167e are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from their respective tips toward the side portion 63f.

[0280] The protrusions 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d, and 166e are disposed on the upper side in the vertical direction DR1 with respect to the photocatalytic filter 90A. The protrusions 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d, and 166e are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A via the photocatalyst 92. The protrusions 167a, 167b, 167c, 167d, and 167e are disposed on the upper side in the vertical direction DR1 with respect to the photocatalytic filter 90A. The protrusions 167a, 167b, 167c, 167d, and 167e are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A via the photocatalyst 92.

[0281] The protrusions 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d, and 166e transmit heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a through the side portion 63e to the photocatalytic filter 90A, similar to the protrusion 164a in the seventh embodiment. The protrusions 167a, 167b, 167c, 167d, and 167e transmit heat from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b through the side portion 63f to the photocatalytic filter 90A, similar to the protrusion 165a in the seventh embodiment.

[0282] According to the present embodiment described above, the case 60 constitutes a heat sink that dissipates heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through the flow path forming portions 63 and 64 to the air flow path 110 through the substrate 91 and photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0283] This allows the case 60 to provide heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through the flow passage forming parts 63 and 64 to the photocatalyst 92 via the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0284] Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the size of the air purifying device 50 can be made smaller than when a heat sink is used in addition to the case 60.

[0285] According to the present embodiment described above, the following advantages (11) and (12) can be obtained.

[0286] (11) The flow path forming portion 63 of the upper case portion 61 transmits heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to one end and the other end in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filter 90A and to one end and the other end in the depth direction DR3 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0287] The protrusions 166a to 166e and 167a to 167e provide heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A via the photocatalyst 92. Therefore, a large amount of heat can be transferred to the center side of the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the width direction DR2.

[0288] The protrusions 166a to 166e are a group consisting of the protrusions 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d, and 166e. The protrusions 167a to 167e are a group consisting of 167a, 167b, 167c, 167d, and 167e.

[0289] This makes it possible to suppress unevenness in the surface direction in the amount of heat transferred to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92 in the surface direction.

[0290] (12) The protrusions 166a-166e, 167a-167e are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the tip of each of them toward the side portion 63e. Therefore, the protrusions 166a-166e can transmit a large amount of heat from the side portion 63e to the center side in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filter 90A. The protrusions 167a-167e can transmit a large amount of heat from the side portion 63f to the center side in the width direction DR2 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0291] This makes it possible to further prevent unevenness in the amount of heat transferred to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the planar direction.

[0292] Tenth embodiment In the seventh embodiment, an example has been described in which the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases from the tip toward the side portions 63e and 63f.

[0293] However, instead of this, a tenth embodiment using protrusions 168a, 168b, 168c, 169a, 169b, and 169c whose dimensions in the depth direction DR3 are uniform throughout the width direction DR2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0294] In this embodiment, protrusions 168a, 168b, 168c, 169a, 169b, and 169c are provided instead of protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c in the air purifying device 50 of the seventh embodiment. In Fig. 13, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 10 indicate the same parts, and their description will be omitted.

[0295] The protrusion 168a is provided in place of the protrusion 164a and protrudes from the side portion 63e toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 168b is provided in place of the protrusion 164b and protrudes from the side portion 63e toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 168c is provided in place of the protrusion 164c and protrudes from the side portion 63e toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110.

[0296] The protrusion 169a is provided in place of the protrusion 165a and protrudes from the side portion 63f toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 169b is provided in place of the protrusion 165b and protrudes from the side portion 63f toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusion 169c is provided in place of the protrusion 165c and protrudes from the side portion 63f toward the center in the width direction DR2 of the air flow path 110. The protrusions 168a, 168b, 168c, 169a, 169b, and 169c are disposed on the upper side of the photocatalytic filter 90A in the up-down direction DR1. The protrusions 168a, 168b, 168c, 169a, 169b, and 169c are in contact with the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A via the photocatalyst 92. The protrusions 168a, 168b, and 168c transmit heat transmitted from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a through the side portion 63e to the photocatalytic filter 90A. The protrusions 169a, 169b, and 169c transmit heat transmitted from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b through the side portion 63f to the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0297] According to the present embodiment described above, the case 60 constitutes a heat sink that dissipates heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through the flow path forming portions 63 and 64 to the air flow path 110 through the substrate 91 and photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0298] This allows the case 60 to provide heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalyst 92 through the base material 91 of the photocatalyst filter 90A. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the size of the air purifying device 50 can be made smaller than when a heat sink is used in addition to the case 60.

[0299] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0300] That is, the flow path forming portion 63 of the upper case portion 61 transmits heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to one end and the other end in the width direction DR2 and one end and the other end in the depth direction DR3 of the substrate 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0301] In addition, the protrusions 168a, 168b, 168c, 169a, 169b, and 169c transfer heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0302] As a result, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the surface direction in the amount of heat transferred to the photocatalyst 92 via the base material 91 of the photocatalyst filter 90A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the activation of the photocatalyst 92.

[0303] Eleventh embodiment In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example was described in which a photocatalytic filter 90A including a substrate 91 for supporting a photocatalyst 92 was used. In addition, an eleventh embodiment in which the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c of the upper case part 61 of the case 60 constitute photocatalytic filter parts 190, 191, and 192 supporting a photocatalyst 92 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In Fig. 14, the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 2 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0304] The air purifying device 50 of this embodiment is obtained by adding photocatalytic filter units 190, 191, and 192 to the air purifying device 50 of the above-mentioned first embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, the photocatalytic filter units 190, 191, and 192 will be mainly described.

[0305] The photocatalytic filter unit 190 is composed of a support 190a and a photocatalyst 92. The support 190a is disposed on the central side of the beam 63a in the width direction DR2. The support 190a is configured in a mesh structure in which a plurality of through holes are formed in the beam 63a penetrating in the up-down direction DR1. The support 190a supports the powdered photocatalyst 92 on its surface.

[0306] The photocatalytic filter portion 191 is composed of a support portion 191a and a photocatalyst 92. The support portion 191a is disposed on the central side of the beam portion 63b in the width direction DR2. The support portion 191a is configured in a mesh structure in which a plurality of through holes are formed in the beam portion 63b penetrating in the up-down direction DR1. The support portion 191a supports the powdered photocatalyst 92 on its surface.

[0307] The photocatalytic filter section 192 is composed of a support section 192a and a photocatalyst 92. The support section 192a is disposed on the central side of the beam section 63c in the width direction DR2. The support section 192a is configured in a mesh structure in which a plurality of through holes are formed in the beam section 63c penetrating in the up-down direction DR1. The support section 192a supports the powdered photocatalyst 92 on its surface.

[0308] In this embodiment configured as described above, the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalyst filter parts 190, 191, and 192 is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through three light guide rods (not shown) and a plurality of through holes in the photocatalyst filter 90A. Thus, the photocatalyst 92 of each of the photocatalyst filter parts 190, 191, and 192 is activated.

[0309] In addition, similar to the first embodiment, heat is transferred from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c through the side portions 63e and 63f of the flow passage forming portion 63. Therefore, heat is transferred from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalysts 92 of the photocatalytic filter portions 190, 191, and 192. Therefore, the photocatalysts 92 of the photocatalytic filter portions 190, 191, and 192 are further activated.

[0310] This allows the photocatalysts 92 of the photocatalyst filter sections 190, 191, and 192 to purify the air flowing into the air flow path 110 while ensuring ventilation of the photocatalyst filter sections 190, 191, and 192.

[0311] According to the present embodiment described above, the case 60 constitutes a heat sink that dissipates heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b through the flow path forming portions 63 and 64 to the air flow path 110 through the substrate 91 and photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0312] This allows the case 60 to transmit heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalyst 92 through the base material 91 of the photocatalyst filter 90A. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the size of the air purifying device 50 can be made smaller than when a heat sink is used in addition to the case 60.

[0313] According to this embodiment configured as above, the following advantages (13) and (14) can be obtained.

[0314] (13) The beams 63a, 63b, and 63c of the upper case 61 constitute photocatalytic filter units 190, 191, and 192 that support the photocatalyst 92. The photocatalytic filter units 190, 191, and 192 can purify the air that flows into the air flow path 110. This can improve the air purification capacity of the air purifier 50. (14) The support part 190a of the photocatalytic filter part 190 is configured in a mesh structure in which a plurality of through holes are formed penetrating in the vertical direction DR1. The support part 191a of the photocatalytic filter part 191 is configured in a mesh structure in which a plurality of through holes are formed penetrating in the vertical direction DR1. The support part 192a of the photocatalytic filter part 192 is configured in a mesh structure in which a plurality of through holes are formed penetrating in the vertical direction DR1. As a result, the pressure loss of the air flow flowing from the prefilter 40 into the air flow path 110 can be reduced.

[0315] Twelfth embodiment In the above first embodiment, an example in which the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A contacts the side wall 61b of the case 60 and the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70B contacts the side wall 61c of the case 60 has been described.

[0316] Instead, a twelfth embodiment in which the substrates 71a, 71b of the light source units 70A, 70B are in contact with the side walls 61b, 61c of the case 60 via the heat conductive members 200, 201 has been described with reference to Fig. 15. In Fig. 15, the same reference numerals as those in Figs. 1 to 4 indicate the same things, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0317] The air purifying device 50 of this embodiment is the same as the air purifying device 50 of the first embodiment, except that heat conductive members 200 and 201 are added. The heat conductive members 200 and 201 of this embodiment are made of a heat dissipating sheet or heat conductive grease.

[0318] The heat conductive member 200 is disposed between the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A and the side wall 61b of the case 60. The heat conductive member 200 is in contact with the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A and the side wall 61b of the case 60.

[0319] This allows the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A to be in close contact with the side wall 61b of the case 60. Therefore, the heat conductive member 200 can stably transmit heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, and 74a of the light source unit 70A from the substrate 71a to the side wall 61b of the case 60.

[0320] The heat conductive member 201 is disposed between the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70B and the side wall 61c of the case 60. The heat conductive member 201 is in contact with the substrate 71b of the light source unit 70B and the side wall 61b of the case 60.

[0321] This allows the substrate 71b of the light source unit 70A to be in close contact with the side wall 61c of the case 60. Therefore, the heat conductive member 201 can stably transmit heat from the light sources 72b, 73b, and 74b of the light source unit 70A from the substrate 71b to the side wall 61c of the case 60.

[0322] In this embodiment, a spacer 77a is sandwiched between the light guiding rod 81 and the photocatalytic filter 90B and the substrate 71a. A spacer 77b is sandwiched between the light guiding rod 81 and the photocatalytic filter 90B and the substrate 71b. The spacers 77a and 77b are provided for each light guiding rod.

[0323] The spacer 77a serves to suppress the transfer of heat from the substrate 71a to the photocatalytic filter 90B. The spacer 77b serves to suppress the transfer of heat from the substrate 71b to the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0324] As a result, the light guiding rod 81 and the photocatalytic filter 90B are supported by the substrates 71a and 71b via the spacers 77a and 77b. Specifically, the spacers 77a and 77b support the lower side of the light guiding rod 81 in the up-down direction DR1 and the photocatalytic filter 90B, respectively.

[0325] Here, a space is formed between the upper side of the light guiding bar 81 in the up-down direction DR1 and the photocatalytic filter 90A, and the substrate 71a, which prevents heat from being transferred from the substrate 71a to the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0326] A space is formed between the upper side of the light guiding bar 81 in the up-down direction DR1 and the photocatalytic filter 90A, and the substrate 71b, which prevents heat from being transferred from the substrate 71b to the photocatalytic filter 90A.

[0327] The spacers 77a and 77b in this embodiment are made of a resin material. The light guiding rods 80 and 82 (not shown) are supported by the substrates 71a and 71b via two spacers, similar to the light guiding rod 81.

[0328] The photocatalytic filter 90A is supported by the flow path forming portion 63 of the case 60. The photocatalytic filter 90B is supported by the flow path forming portion 64 of the case 60. The light guiding rod 81 is supported by the photocatalytic filter 90B.

[0329] In this embodiment, one end of the light guiding rod 81 in the width direction DR2 is supported by a holding member 69a from one side and the other side in the depth direction DR3. The other end of the light guiding rod 81 in the width direction DR2 is supported by a holding member 69b from one side and the other side in the depth direction DR3. The holding members 69a and 69b are formed by cutting out the upper wall 61a or the lower wall 62a of the case 60, respectively.

[0330] Although not shown, the light guiding bars 80 and 82 are supported by holding members at one end and the other end in the width direction DR2, similar to the light guiding bar 81. The case 60 in this embodiment is not composed of an upper case portion 61 and a lower case portion 62, but is composed of a single case.

[0331] According to the present embodiment described above, the heat conductive members 200, 201 can bring the substrates 71a, 71b of the light source units 70A, 70B and the side walls 61b, 61c of the case 60 into close contact with each other.

[0332] Therefore, heat can be stably transferred from the substrates 71a and 71b to the side walls 61b and 61c of the case 60. This improves the ability of the case 60 to dissipate heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b.

[0333] Thirteenth embodiment In the air purifying device 50 of the present thirteenth embodiment, an example in which beam portions 63a, 63b, 63c, 64a, 64b, and 64c are added to the air purifying device 50 of the twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. In Figure 16, the same reference numerals as those in Figure 15 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0334] Similar to the first embodiment, the beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c connect between the side portions 63e and 63f of the flow path forming portion 63. Similar to the first embodiment, the beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c connect between the side portions 64e and 64f of the flow path forming portion 64. Note that the beam portions 63a, 63c, 64a, and 64c are not shown in FIG.

[0335] Here, the side portion 64e is one side portion of the flow path forming portion 64 formed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110. The side portion 64f is the other side portion of the flow path forming portion 64 formed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the air flow path 110.

[0336] The beam portions 63a, 63b, and 63c can provide heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90A, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0337] The beam portions 64a, 64b, and 64c can provide heat from the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, and 74b to the photocatalyst 92 of the photocatalytic filter 90B, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0338] As described above, the beam portions 63a, 63b, 63c, 64a, 64b, and 64c of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as the beam portions 63a, 63b, 63c, 64a, 64b, and 64c of the first embodiment.

[0339] As shown in FIG. 17, the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B of this embodiment each have a plurality of through holes 91a that penetrate in the vertical direction. Reticulated The photocatalyst filters 90A and 90B include a base material 91 formed on a surface thereof. The base material 91 constitutes a support portion that supports a photocatalyst 92 on its surface. This allows the photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst 92 to be realized across the surface while ensuring air permeability.

[0340] (Other embodiments) (1) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, the air purifier 50 is applied to the indoor air conditioning unit 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The air purifier 50 may be configured for home or commercial use.

[0341] (2) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, an example was described in which a photocatalyst 92 that is activated by ultraviolet light was used in the air purifying device 50. However, a photocatalyst 92 that is activated by light of a wavelength other than ultraviolet light (e.g., visible light) to purify the air may also be used.

[0342] In this case, the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a and the light sources 72b, 73b, 74b need to be light sources that irradiate light with a wavelength different from that of ultraviolet light in order to activate the photocatalyst 92.

[0343] (3) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a and the light sources 72b, 73b, 74b are configured using light emitting diodes. However, the light sources are not limited to this, and ultraviolet lamps utilizing mercury discharge may be used as the light sources 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b. That is, as the light source constituting the air purifying device 50, an ultraviolet lamp utilizing mercury discharge may be used instead of a light emitting diode.

[0344] (4) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, an example was described in which the light source unit 70A was disposed on one side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B.

[0345] However, this is not limited to the above, and as long as the light source unit 70A is positioned on one side of the widthwise center of the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B in the widthwise direction DR2, the light source unit 70A may be positioned so as to overlap the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B in the vertical direction DR1.

[0346] (5) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, an example was described in which the light source unit 70B was disposed on the other side in the width direction DR2 with respect to the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B.

[0347] However, this is not limited to the above, and as long as the light source unit 70B is positioned on the other side of the width direction DR2 relative to the center of the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B in the width direction DR2, the light source unit 70B may be positioned so as to overlap the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B in the vertical direction DR1.

[0348] (7) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, examples have been described in which two light source units 70A, 70B are arranged in the air purifying device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one light source unit may be arranged in the air purifying device 50, or three or more light source units may be arranged in the air purifying device 50. For example, one light source unit may be constituted not only by a plurality of light sources but also by one light source.

[0349] (8) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, examples have been described in which two photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B are arranged in the air purifying device 50. However, this is not limiting, and one photocatalytic filter may be arranged in the air purifying device 50, or three or more photocatalytic filters may be arranged in the air purifying device 50.

[0350] (9) In the above thirteenth embodiment, an example was described in which a mesh-like member was used as the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B in order to ensure breathability. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as breathability can be ensured, a member having a shape other than a mesh-like shape may be used as the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0351] (10) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, an example was described in which the case 60 was made of a metal material containing aluminum in order to ensure the thermal conductivity of the case 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the case 60 may be made of a metal material other than aluminum (for example, copper) as long as the thermal conductivity of the case 60 can be ensured.

[0352] (11) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, the base material 91 of the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B is made of a metal material containing aluminum in order to ensure thermal conductivity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the base material 91 may be made of a metal material other than aluminum (e.g., copper) as long as the thermal conductivity of the base material 91 can be ensured.

[0353] (12) In the above first to thirteenth embodiments, the substrate 71a of the light source unit 70A and the substrate 71b of the light source unit 70B are made of a metal material containing aluminum in order to ensure thermal conductivity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the substrates 71a and 71b may be made of a metal material other than aluminum (for example, copper) as long as the thermal conductivity of the substrates 71a and 71b can be ensured.

[0354] (13) In the above first to sixth embodiments, examples have been described in which case 60 uses beam portions 63a, 63b, 63c, 64a, 64b, and 64c extending in the width direction. However, this is not limited to this, and case 60 may use beam portions extending in the depth direction DR3.

[0355] Alternatively, the case 60 may include both beams extending in the width direction and beams extending in the depth direction DR3.

[0356] (14) In the seventh to eleventh embodiments, examples have been described in which the protrusions 164a to 164c, 165a to 165c, 166a to 166e, 167a to 167e, 168a to 168c, and 169a to 169c that protrude from the case 60 in the width direction DR2 are used.

[0357] However, instead of this, a protrusion that protrudes in the depth direction DR3 may be used in the case 60. Alternatively, the case 60 may have a protrusion that protrudes in the width direction DR2 and a protrusion that protrudes in the depth direction DR3.

[0358] (15) In the above first to sixth embodiments, examples have been described in which the light guiding rods 80, 81, and 82 are used to transmit the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source units 70A and 70B to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0359] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a light guide plate extending in the width direction DR2 and the depth direction DR3 may be used to transmit the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source units 70A and 70B to the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B.

[0360] (16) In the above thirteenth embodiment, the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B were described as being composed of a base material 91 formed in a mesh shape having a plurality of through holes 91a, and a photocatalyst 92 supported on the base material 91.

[0361] However, in the above first, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B may be composed of a base material 91 formed in a mesh shape and a photocatalyst 92 supported on the base material 91, as in the above thirteenth embodiment.

[0362] Similarly, in the above sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth embodiments, the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B may be composed of a base material 91 formed in a mesh shape and a photocatalyst 92 supported on the base material 91.

[0363] (17) In the above eleventh embodiment, an example was described in which the air purifying device 50 was provided with the photocatalytic filters 90A and 90B, and the photocatalytic filter parts 190, 191, and 192 constituted by the beam parts 63a, 63b, and 63c.

[0364] However, instead of this, in the air purifying device 50 in which the beam portions 63a, 63b, 63c constitute the photocatalytic filter portions 190, 191, 192 in the eleventh embodiment, the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B may be omitted.

[0365] That is, in the air purifying device 50 of the eleventh embodiment, among the photocatalytic filter parts 190, 191, 192 and the photocatalytic filters 90A, 90B, only the photocatalytic filter parts 190, 191, 192 may be used. This allows the size of the air purifying device 50 to be further reduced.

[0366] (18) In the air purifying device 50 of the eleventh embodiment, an example in which the photocatalytic filter units 190, 191, and 192 are configured on the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c has been described. However, this is not limiting, and the photocatalytic filter units 190, 191, and 192 may be configured on other parts of the case 60 except for the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c.

[0367] (19) In the above eleventh embodiment, an example was described in which the photocatalytic filter parts 190, 191, 192 were configured on the beam parts 63a, 63b, 63c of the upper case part 61. However, instead of this, the photocatalytic filter parts 190, 191, 192 may be configured on the beam parts 64a, 64b, 64c of the lower case part 62.

[0368] (20) In the above eleventh embodiment, an example was described in which the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c were provided with the photocatalytic filter units 190, 191, and 192. However, instead of this, a plurality of through holes may be formed in the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c to ensure ventilation, but the beams 63a, 63b, and 63c may not support the photocatalyst. (21) In the above fifth and sixth embodiments, examples were described in which the beam portions 163a, 163b, 163c are formed so that the dimension in the depth direction DR3 increases as they approach the side portions 63e, 63f of the flow path forming portion 63 from the center in the width direction DR2. However, this is not limited to the above, and the dimension of the beam portions 163a, 163b, and 163c in the depth direction DR3 may be larger as they approach the side portion 63e from the center in the width direction DR2, and the dimension in the depth direction DR3 may be constant from the center in the width direction DR2 to the side portion 63f. Alternatively, the beam portions 163a, 163b, and 163c may have a dimension in the depth direction DR3 that increases from the center in the width direction DR2 to the side portion 63f, and the dimension in the depth direction DR3 may be constant from the center in the width direction DR2 to the side portion 63e.

[0369] (21) In the seventh embodiment, the protrusions 164a, 164b, 164c, 165a, 165b, and 165c are provided on the upper case part 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Although the protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c are provided on the upper case part 61, Alternatively, the upper case portion 61 may be provided with the protrusions 165a, 165b, and 165c, but the protrusions 164a, 164b, and 164c may be eliminated. (22) In the above ninth embodiment, an example has been described in which the protrusions 166a-166e, 167a-167e are provided on the flow path forming portion 63. However, instead of this, the protrusions 166a-166e may be provided on the flow path forming portion 63, and the protrusions 167a-167e may be eliminated. Alternatively, the protrusions 167a-167e may be provided on the flow path forming portion 63, and the protrusions 166a-166e may be eliminated. (23) In the above tenth embodiment, an example was described in which the protrusions 168a, 168b, 168c, 169a, 169b, and 169c were provided on the flow path forming portion 63. However, this is not limited thereto, and the protrusions 168a, 168b, and 168c may be provided on the flow path forming portion 63, and the protrusions 169a, 169b, and 169c may be eliminated. Alternatively, the protrusions 169a, 169b, and 169c may be provided on the flow path forming portion 63, and the protrusions 168a, 168b, and 168c may be eliminated. (24) Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined, except when the combination is clearly impossible. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly considered to be essential in principle. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the shapes, positional relationships, etc., except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0370] 60 cases 63 Flow path forming section 63a, 63b, 63c beam section 72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b light source 92 Photocatalyst 110 Air flow path

Claims

1. An air purifying device, comprising: A case (60) having a flow path forming portion (63) that forms an air flow path (110); A light source (72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b) for emitting light; a photocatalyst (92) disposed in the case for purifying the air in the air flow path by generating a photocatalytic reaction with light from the light source; the case constitutes a heat sink that dissipates heat generated from the light source in association with the irradiation of the light to the air flow path; A photocatalyst support part (91) is disposed in the case and supports the photocatalyst, the case releases the heat generated from the light source to the air flow path via the photocatalyst support and the photocatalyst, thereby transferring the heat generated from the light source to the photocatalyst; When a flow direction of a main flow of air in the air flow path is a first direction (DR1) and a direction intersecting the first direction is a second direction (DR2), The photocatalyst support is disposed in the air flow path, The light source is disposed in the case on one side in the second direction with respect to a center in the second direction of the photocatalyst carrier, The flow path forming portion is A first side portion (63e) disposed on the one side in the second direction with respect to the air flow path; A second side portion (63f) disposed on the other side of the air flow path in the second direction; and a beam portion (63a, 63b, 63c, 163a, 163b, 163c, 166) that is disposed in the first direction with respect to the photocatalyst support portion, connects between the first side portion and the second side portion, and provides the heat transferred from the light source through the first side portion to the photocatalyst support portion, In the case where a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (DR3), The beam portions (163a, 163b, 163c, 170) are formed such that the dimension in the third direction increases from the center side in the second direction toward the first side portion.

2. 2. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the photocatalyst support portion includes a contact portion (93, 94, 95) that contacts the case while an elastic force is applied to the case.

3. 3. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the photocatalyst support is made of a metal material containing aluminum.

4. When the light source is a first light source, a second light source (72b, 73b, 74b) is provided, which is arranged on the other side of the second direction with respect to the center of the photocatalyst support in the second direction and irradiates the photocatalyst with light, The air purifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the beam portion provides the heat, which is transferred from the second light source through the second side portion, to the photocatalyst carrier.

5. The air purifying device according to claim 4 , wherein the beam portions (163a, 163b, 163c, 170) are formed such that a dimension in the third direction increases from a center side in the second direction toward the second side portion.

6. An air purifying device, comprising: A case (60) having a flow path forming portion (63) that forms an air flow path (110); A light source (72a, 73a, 74a, 72b, 73b, 74b) for emitting light; a photocatalyst (92) disposed in the case for purifying the air in the air flow path by generating a photocatalytic reaction with light from the light source; the case constitutes a heat sink that dissipates heat generated from the light source in association with the irradiation of the light to the air flow path; A photocatalyst support part (91) is disposed in the case and supports the photocatalyst, the case releases the heat generated from the light source to the air flow path via the photocatalyst support and the photocatalyst, thereby transferring the heat generated from the light source to the photocatalyst; When a main flow direction of the air flow in the air flow path is a first direction (DR1) and a direction intersecting the first direction is a second direction (DR2), The photocatalyst support is disposed in the air flow path, The light source is disposed in the case on one side in the second direction with respect to a center in the second direction of the photocatalyst carrier, The flow path forming portion is A side portion (63e, 63f) disposed on the one side in the second direction with respect to the air flow path; and protrusions (164a to 164c, 165a to 165c, 166a to 166e, 167a to 167e, 168a to 168c, 169a to 169c) that are disposed in the first direction with respect to the photocatalyst support, protrude from the side, and provide heat transferred from the light source through the side to the photocatalyst support; In the case where a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (DR3), The protrusions (164a to 164c, 165a to 165c, 166a to 166e, 167a to 167e) are formed so that the dimension in the third direction increases from the tip to the side.

7. The air purifying device according to claim 6, wherein the photocatalyst support portion includes a contact portion (93, 94, 95) that contacts the case while an elastic force is applied to the case.

8. 8. The air purifying device according to claim 6, wherein the photocatalyst support is made of a metal material containing aluminum.

9. When a flow direction of a main flow of air in the air flow path is a first direction (DR1) and a direction intersecting the first direction is a second direction (DR2), The photocatalyst support is disposed in the air flow path, The light source is disposed in the case on one side in the second direction with respect to a center in the second direction of the photocatalyst carrier, The flow path forming portion is A first side portion (63e) disposed on the one side in the second direction with respect to the air flow path; A second side portion (63f) disposed on the other side of the air flow path in the second direction; An air purifying device as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a beam portion (63a, 63b, 63c, 163a, 163b, 163c, 166) that is arranged in the first direction relative to the photocatalyst carrier, connects between the first side portion and the second side portion, and provides heat transmitted from the light source through the first side portion to the photocatalyst carrier.

10. In the case where a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (DR3), The air purifying device according to claim 9 , wherein the beam portions (163a, 163b, 163c, 170) are formed such that a dimension in the third direction increases from a center side in the second direction toward the first side portion.

11. When the light source is a first light source, a second light source (72b, 73b, 74b) is provided, which is arranged on the other side of the second direction with respect to the center of the photocatalyst support in the second direction and irradiates the photocatalyst with light, The air purifying device according to claim 10 , wherein the beam portion provides the heat, which is transferred from the second light source through the second side portion, to the photocatalyst carrier.

12. The air purifying device according to claim 11, wherein the beam portions (163a, 163b, 163c, 170) are formed such that a dimension in the third direction increases from a center side in the second direction toward the second side portion.

13. In the case where the light source is a first light source, the side portion is a first side portion, and the protrusion portion is a first protrusion portion, a second light source (72b, 73b, 74b) is disposed in the case and is disposed on the other side in the second direction with respect to the center of the photocatalyst carrier in the second direction, The flow path forming portion is A second side portion (63e, 63f) disposed on the other side of the air flow path in the second direction; 7. The air purifying device according to claim 6, further comprising: a second protrusion (164a to 164c, 165a to 165c, 166a to 166e, 167a to 167e, 168a to 168c, 169a to 169c) that is disposed in the first direction relative to the photocatalyst carrier, protrudes from the second side, and provides the heat transmitted from the second light source through the second side to the photocatalyst carrier.

14. The air purifying device according to claim 13, wherein the second protrusions (164a to 164c, 165a to 165c, 166a to 166e, 167a to 167e) are formed such that the dimension in the third direction increases as the protrusions approach the second side from their tips.

15. 15. The air purifying device according to claim 1, further comprising a substrate (71a, 71b) for mounting the light source and transmitting heat from the light source to the case.

16. The air purifying device according to claim 15, further comprising a thermally conductive member (200, 201) disposed between the case and the substrate and in contact with the case and the substrate, for transmitting heat from the substrate to the case.

17. 17. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the case is made of a metal material including aluminum.

18. 18. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the case constitutes a support portion (190, 191, 192) that supports the photocatalyst.

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