Sterilization and deodorization machine

Abstract

To provide a sterilization / deodorization machine capable of effectively performing sterilization / deodorization and capable of being downsized.SOLUTION: A sterilization / deodorization machine 10 includes: a housing 20 having a suction port 24 and an exhaust port 26; a filter unit 12 including a photocatalyst filter 40 and stored in a unit storage part 28 in the housing; a light source 14 for irradiating the photocatalyst filter with light; and a blower fan 16 for generating an air stream passing through the unit storage part. The photocatalyst filter is formed in a wavy form in which crest parts and valley parts extending in a first direction are alternately aligned in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is stored in the unit storage part so as to make the air stream flow along the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilizing deodorizer, and more particularly to a sterilizing deodorizer that performs sterilization and deodorization using a photocatalytic filter that carries a photocatalyst. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional sterilizing deodorizer (photocatalytic device) is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The sterilizing deodorizer of Patent Document 1 comprises a housing, a filter unit (photocatalytic unit) including a photocatalytic filter (photocatalytic sheet) and disposed within the housing, a light source (light) for providing light to the photocatalytic filter, and a blower fan for blowing air over the surface of the photocatalytic filter. The filter unit is detachably mounted on the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-37285 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology of Patent Document 1 uses a flat photocatalytic filter, so in order to achieve sufficient organic matter decomposition performance (i.e., sterilization and deodorization performance), the photocatalytic filter must be made large, which creates the problem of making the device larger.

[0005] Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel sterilizing and deodorizing machine.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilizing and deodorizing machine that can efficiently sterilize and deodorize and that can be made compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention isFlexible porous substrate in sheet form photocatalyst but Support was A sterilization and deodorization device that uses a photocatalytic filter to sterilize and deodorize, comprising a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port, a photocatalytic filter and holding frame the filter unit is accommodated in a unit accommodating section within the housing, a light source that irradiates the photocatalytic filter with light, and a blower fan that generates an airflow that flows from the air intake through the unit accommodating section toward the air exhaust port, the photocatalytic filter having a wave-like shape in which peaks and valleys extending in a first direction are alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the photocatalytic filter is accommodated in the unit accommodating section so that the airflow flows along the first direction; The holding frame has a first frame provided at both ends of the photocatalytic filter in the first direction so as to extend in a wavy shape in the second direction along the main surface of the photocatalytic filter, and holds the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter, and the first frame has a first opening for passing airflow in the first direction. It is a sterilizing and deodorizing machine.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the photocatalytic filter is formed in a wavy shape, which increases the contact area between the photocatalytic filter and the air while preventing the photocatalytic filter from becoming too large. Furthermore, by directing air along the first direction, which is the direction in which the peaks and valleys of the photocatalytic filter extend, pressure loss can be appropriately reduced, allowing the blower fan to be made smaller. This allows for efficient sterilization and deodorization, and allows the sterilization and deodorization device to be made smaller.

[0010] Also, the first According to the invention, the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter can be appropriately maintained, and air can be appropriately made to flow along the main surface (surface) of the photocatalytic filter.

[0011] No. 2 The invention is 1 The filter unit is detachable from the unit accommodating section, and the unit accommodating section has a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides the attachment and detachment of the filter unit, and the unit guide has a second opening that communicates with the first opening.

[0012] No. 2 According to the invention, the filter unit can be properly guided to the mounting position, while air can be properly circulated along the main surface of the photocatalytic filter.

[0013] No. 3The invention is 1 or 2 The holding frame is provided at both ends of the photocatalytic filter in the second direction and has a long plate-like second frame extending in the first direction, and an air flow passage is formed by the second frame.

[0014] No. 3 According to this invention, the second frame restricts the diffusion of the air flow in the second direction (that is, outside the width of the photocatalytic filter), so that the photocatalytic filter can be brought into contact with the air more appropriately.

[0015] A fourth invention is dependent on any one of the first to third inventions, and the holding frame has a third frame that is arranged at the center of the photocatalytic filter in the first direction so as to extend in a wavy shape in the second direction along the main surface of the photocatalytic filter, thereby maintaining the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter.

[0017] No. 5 The invention of Any of 1 to 4 According to the invention of the present invention, the holding frame has a spacing restriction portion that restricts the wave spacing of the first frame to a predetermined spacing.

[0018] No. 5 According to this invention, even when the filter unit has flexibility in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame (and therefore the photocatalytic filter) can be maintained uniform.

[0019] No. 6 The invention of Any of 1 to 4 The invention is based on the above, and the unit accommodating section is provided with a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides the attachment and detachment of the filter unit, the unit guide having a locking section formed in the center in the attachment direction of the filter unit, and the first frame has a positioning protrusion that protrudes toward the outside of the photocatalytic filter and is locked by the locking section.

[0020] No. 6 According to this invention, even when the filter unit has flexibility in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame (and therefore the photocatalytic filter) can be maintained uniform.

[0021] No. 7 The invention of Any of 1 to 4The unit accommodating section includes a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides the attachment and detachment of the filter unit, and the unit guide and the first frame each have a width that narrows toward the rear side in the attachment direction of the filter unit. become It is formed as follows.

[0022] No. 7 According to this invention, even when the filter unit has flexibility in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame (and therefore the photocatalytic filter) can be maintained uniform.

[0023] No. 8 invention of teeth , 1st to 2nd 7 The present invention is dependent on any one of the above-mentioned inventions, and the light source includes a first light source that irradiates one main surface of the photocatalytic filter, and a second light source that irradiates the other main surface of the photocatalytic filter.

[0024] No. 8 According to the invention, light is irradiated from both sides of the filter unit, so sterilization and deodorization can be performed more efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to this invention, the contact area between the photocatalytic filter and the air can be increased and pressure loss can be appropriately reduced, so that sterilization and deodorization can be performed efficiently and the sterilization and deodorization device can be made smaller.

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a sterilizing deodorizing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the sterilization deodorization machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the sterilization and deodorization machine. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a filter unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a filter unit is attached to the housing of the sterilizing deodorizing machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of a filter unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing yet another example of a filter unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing yet another example of a filter unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing yet another example of a filter unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing the periphery of a unit guide of a sterilizing deodorizing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a filter unit provided in the sterilizing deodorizer of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a filter unit is housed in a unit housing portion in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a view showing the periphery of a unit guide of a sterilizing deodorizing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a filter unit provided in the sterilizing deodorizer of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which a filter unit is housed in a unit housing portion in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] [First Example] 1 and 2, a sterilizing deodorizer 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a device that performs sterilization and deodorization using a photocatalytic filter 40 that carries a photocatalyst. As will be described in detail below, the sterilizing deodorizer 10 performs sterilization and deodorization by causing air taken in from the outside to flow along the main surface (surface) of the photocatalytic filter 40 and irradiating the photocatalytic filter 40 with light, thereby decomposing organic matter (organic compounds) adhering to the photocatalytic filter 40. The configuration of the sterilizing deodorizer 10 will be specifically described below.

[0029] 1 to 3, the sterilizing deodorizing machine 10 includes a filter unit 12 including a photocatalytic filter 40 and a holding frame 42, a light source 14, a blower fan 16, an activated carbon filter 18, and a control unit (not shown), all of which are housed in a housing 20 in a predetermined arrangement. The control unit includes a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of each part of the sterilizing deodorizing machine 10 (such as the light source 14 and the blower fan 16) based on input operations made to an operation unit including a power button 22, etc.

[0030] The housing 20 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An intake port 24 is provided at the bottom of the housing 20, and an exhaust port 26 is provided at the top of the housing 20. A unit housing section 28 is provided at the center of the housing 20. The filter unit 12 is housed (attached) in a vertical orientation in this unit housing section 28. The specific configuration of the filter unit 12 will be described later.

[0031] The light source 14 includes a substrate 30 and a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) 32 distributed on the surface of the substrate 30, and is provided so as to face the main surface of the photocatalytic filter 40. In this embodiment, the light source 14 includes a first light source 14a provided so as to face one main surface of the photocatalytic filter 40, and a second light source 14b provided so as to face the other main surface of the photocatalytic filter 40. That is, the light sources 14 are provided on both sides in the thickness direction of the filter unit 12, and can irradiate light onto each of both main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40. Each of the first light source 14a and the second light source 14b is provided with, for example, 12 LEDs 32.

[0032] The blower fan 16 is provided at the top of the housing 20, i.e., between the exhaust port 26 and the unit housing section 28 (i.e., the filter unit 12), and generates an upward airflow (air current) from the intake port 24 through the unit housing section 28 toward the exhaust port 26. That is, air taken into the housing 20 from the intake port 24 by driving the blower fan 16 flows upward through the unit housing section 28 and is then discharged outside the housing 20 from the exhaust port 26. As the blower fan 16, a well-known fan such as an axial fan such as a propeller fan or a centrifugal fan may be used.

[0033] An activated carbon filter housing 34 is provided in the lower part of the housing 20, i.e., between the air intake 24 and the unit housing 28. The activated carbon filter 18 is housed in this activated carbon filter housing 34 in a horizontal position so as to cover the air intake 24. That is, the air taken into the housing 20 from the air intake 24 passes through the activated carbon filter 18 in the thickness direction (i.e., passes through the inside of the activated carbon filter 18) and then flows into the unit housing 28. The activated carbon filter 18 is a filter in which activated carbon is supported on a porous substrate such as a synthetic resin nonwoven fabric, and the activated carbon adsorbs and removes odorous components such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide contained in the air.

[0034] Next, we will explain the configuration of the filter unit 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the filter unit 12 includes a photocatalytic filter 40 and a rectangular holding frame 42 that holds the photocatalytic filter 40. The photocatalytic filter 40 and the holding frame 42 are molded integrally.

[0035] The photocatalytic filter 40 is a flexible filter in which a photocatalyst (photocatalyst particles) is supported on a porous substrate such as a synthetic resin nonwoven fabric. The photocatalyst contained in the photocatalytic filter 40 is excited by irradiation with light such as ultraviolet light to generate active oxygen species, which then remove (sterilize) germs contained in the air and decompose (deodorize) odorous components. Known photocatalysts such as titanium oxide and tungsten oxide can be used as the photocatalyst, with titanium oxide being preferred among these.

[0036] The photocatalytic filter 40 is formed in a wave shape (also called a pleated or bellows shape) in which peaks 40a and valleys 40b extending in a first direction are alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this embodiment, the photocatalytic filter 40 is formed in a triangular wave shape in which folds 40c are formed at the tip ends (tops and bottoms) of the peaks 40a and valleys 40b, and the plurality of folds 40c are formed to extend in the first direction. In this way, by forming the photocatalytic filter 40 in a wave shape, it is possible to increase the contact area between the photocatalytic filter 40 and the air while suppressing an increase in the size of the photocatalytic filter 40.

[0037] The holding frame 42 includes a first frame 44 and a second frame 46 that hold the four sides of the photocatalytic filter 40. The holding frame 42 is made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or a PC / ABS alloy that is a mixture of ABS resin and polycarbonate.

[0038] The first frame 44 is a portion for maintaining the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter 40, and is provided so as to cover both end portions in the first direction of the photocatalytic filter 40. This first frame 44 has openings 44a (first openings) that allow airflow to pass in the first direction, and is configured so as not to obstruct the airflow caused by the blower fan 16. Specifically, the first frame 44 is formed in a wavy shape that extends along the end portions in the first direction of the photocatalytic filter 40 (i.e., formed so as to extend wavy in the second direction), and openings 44a with a triangular cross section are formed between the inclined pieces that form the waves (peaks and valleys).

[0039] The second frame 46 is provided at both ends in the second direction of the photocatalytic filter 40. The second frame 46 is formed in the shape of a rectangular long plate extending in the first direction, and connects the ends of the first frame 44. The second frame 46 forms an air passage extending in the first direction, and restricts the diffusion of airflow in the second direction (i.e., outside the width of the photocatalytic filter 40).

[0040] The holding frame 42 further includes a third frame 48 that is provided to sandwich the center in the first direction of the photocatalytic filter 40. Similar to the first frame 44, the third frame 48 is a portion for maintaining the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter 40, and has openings 48a that allow airflow to pass in the first direction. In this embodiment, the third frame 48 is formed so as to extend wavy in the second direction along the main surface of the photocatalytic filter 40.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, such a filter unit 12 can be attached to and detached from the unit accommodating portion 28 by opening an opening / closing cover 50 provided on one side surface of the housing 20.

[0042] 2 and 5, in this embodiment, the filter unit 12 (photocatalytic filter 40) is housed in the unit housing section 28 so that the airflow caused by the blower fan 16 flows along the first direction (i.e., the direction in which the folds 40c of the photocatalytic filter 40 extend). That is, the filter unit 12 is housed vertically in the unit housing section 28 so that the first direction is the up-down direction, and the airflow caused by the blower fan 16 flows along both main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40.

[0043] The unit accommodating section 28 is also provided with a unit guide 52 that guides the installation and removal of the filter unit 12, and the filter unit 12 is guided to the installation position by the unit guide 52. The unit guide 52 has an opening 52a (second opening) that communicates with the opening 44a of the first frame 44 and allows airflow to pass in the first direction, and is configured not to obstruct the airflow caused by the blower fan 16. Specifically, a pair of unit guides 52 are provided at each of the upper and lower ends of the unit accommodating section 28, spaced a predetermined distance apart in the thickness direction of the filter unit 12 (a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions) and extending in the installation and removal direction of the filter unit 12 (the second direction). Each of the unit guides 52 has an L-shaped cross section and slidably supports the first frame 44 provided with the filter unit 12. An opening 52a is formed between the pair of unit guides 52, and when the filter unit 12 is attached to the unit accommodating portion 28, the opening 52a communicates with the opening 44a.

[0044] In the sterilizing deodorizer 10 described above, when the power button 22 is turned on, the control unit drives the blower fan 16 and turns on the light source 14 (LED 32) to irradiate both main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40 with light. Air is drawn into the housing 20 through the air intake 24 as the blower fan 16 is driven, and odorous components are first adsorbed and removed by the activated carbon filter 18. The air that passes through the activated carbon filter 18 then flows upward through the unit housing 28 along both main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40. When the photocatalytic filter 40 comes into contact with the air, organic matter adhering to the photocatalytic filter 40 is decomposed by photocatalytic action, thereby sterilizing and deodorizing the air. The clean air that has been sterilized and deodorized by the photocatalytic filter 40 is then discharged outside the housing 20 through the exhaust port 26.

[0045] In this case, the corrugated shape of the photocatalytic filter 40 increases the contact area between the photocatalytic filter 40 and the air, allowing for efficient sterilization and deodorization. Furthermore, since air flows along the main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40 rather than through the thickness direction of the photocatalytic filter 40, pressure loss can be reduced. In particular, pressure loss can be more appropriately reduced by flowing air along the first direction, which is the direction in which the peaks 40a and valleys 40b of the photocatalytic filter 40 extend. Furthermore, since air flows along both main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40 and light is irradiated onto both main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40 using the first light source 14a and the second light source 14b, sterilization and deodorization can be more efficiently performed. Furthermore, since the first frame 44 has an opening 44a and the unit guide 52 has an opening 52a, the first frame 44 and the unit guide 52 do not obstruct the air flow, allowing air to flow appropriately along both main surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 40.

[0046] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the photocatalytic filter 40 is formed in a wavy shape, which makes it possible to increase the contact area between the photocatalytic filter 40 and the air while preventing the photocatalytic filter 40 from becoming larger. Furthermore, by making the air flow along the first direction, which is the direction in which the peaks 40a and valleys 40b of the photocatalytic filter 40 extend, pressure loss can be appropriately reduced, and the blower fan 16 can also be made smaller. Therefore, sterilization and deodorization can be performed efficiently, and the sterilization and deodorization device 10 can be made smaller.

[0047] The above-described configuration of the filter unit 12 is merely an example, and the specific configuration can be changed as appropriate. For example, when forming the photocatalytic filter 40 into a wave shape, it can be formed into a sine wave or rectangular wave shape instead of a triangular wave shape.

[0048] 6, a spacing restriction portion 60 can also be formed on the holding frame 42. The spacing restriction portion 60 is formed so as to linearly connect the tip ends of the peaks and valleys of the first frame 44 in the second direction, and restricts the wave spacing (pitch of peaks and valleys) of the first frame 44 (and therefore the photocatalytic filter 40) to a predetermined interval. If the first frame 44 is formed in a triangular wave shape, the filter unit 12 (first frame 44 and photocatalytic filter 40) may be stretchable in the second direction, which may cause variations in the wave spacing of the first frame 44, but by providing the spacing restriction portion 60, the wave spacing of the first frame 44 (and therefore the photocatalytic filter 40) can be maintained uniform.

[0049] Furthermore, instead of integrally molding the photocatalytic filter 40 and the holding frame 42, the photocatalytic filter 40 and the holding frame 42 can be manufactured separately and then integrated by assembling them. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the first frame 44 (similar to the third frame 48) can be composed of a first divided section 70 and a second divided section 72 that can be separated from each other, and the photocatalytic filter 40 can be sandwiched and fixed between the first divided section 70 and the second divided section 72, thereby integrating the photocatalytic filter 40 and the holding frame 42. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, the second frame 46 can be omitted, and the photocatalytic filter 40 and the holding frame 42 can be integrated by fitting separately manufactured first frames 44 into both ends of the photocatalytic filter 40 in the first direction.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, the first frame 44 can be formed in a rectangular frame shape instead of a wavy shape. In this case, it is preferable to form a plurality of notches 44b on the inner edge of the first frame 44, and by fitting the tip ends of the peaks 40a and valleys 40b of the photocatalytic filter 40 into these notches 44b, the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter 40 can be properly maintained.

[0051] [Second Example] Next, a sterilizing deodorizing machine 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In this second embodiment, the configurations of the unit guide 52 and the first frame 44 differ from those of the first embodiment described above. As the other parts are similar, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to the first embodiment described above, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 10, in the second embodiment, a pair of unit guides 52 provided at the upper and lower ends of the unit accommodating section 28 each have a locking portion 52b formed in the center in the insertion direction of the filter unit 12. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 11, the first frame 44 has a positioning protrusion 44c formed at a position corresponding to the locking portion 52b of the unit guide 52, the positioning protrusion 44c protruding from the tip of the peak or valley toward the outside in the third direction of the photocatalytic filter 40. Then, as shown in Fig. 12, when the filter unit 12 is attached to the unit accommodating section 28, the positioning protrusion 44c is locked to the locking portion 52b, thereby defining the wave spacing (peak or valley pitch) of the first frame 44 and the photocatalytic filter 40.

[0053] In this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the contact area between the photocatalytic filter 40 and the air can be increased and pressure loss can be appropriately reduced, allowing for efficient sterilization and deodorization and the sterilization and deodorization machine 10 to be made smaller.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, even if the filter unit 12 (first frame 44 and photocatalytic filter 40) has elasticity in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame 44 and the photocatalytic filter 40 can be appropriately maintained when the filter unit 12 is attached to the unit accommodating section 28.

[0055] [Third Example] Next, a sterilizing deodorizing machine 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. In this third embodiment, the configurations of the unit guide 52 and the first frame 44 differ from those of the first embodiment. As the other parts are similar, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 13, in the third embodiment, a pair of unit guides 52 provided at the upper and lower ends of the unit accommodating section 28 have inclined surfaces 52c formed so that the width (the distance between the vertical walls of the unit guides 52) narrows toward the rear in the installation direction of the filter unit 12. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 14, the first frame 44 is formed with positioning protrusions 44d that protrude outward in the third direction of the photocatalytic filter 40 from each of the tip ends of the peaks and valleys. The protruding length of this positioning protrusion 44d is set to become smaller as it approaches the rear in the installation direction of the filter unit 12. In other words, each of the unit guides 52 and the first frame 44 is formed so that the width (size in the third direction) narrows toward the rear in the installation direction of the filter unit 12. As shown in Figure 15, when the filter unit 12 is attached to the unit accommodating section 28, the positioning protrusion 44d abuts against the inclined surface 52c of the unit guide 52, thereby defining the wave spacing (peak-to-valley pitch) of the first frame 44 and the photocatalytic filter 40.

[0057] In this third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the contact area between the photocatalytic filter 40 and the air can be increased and pressure loss can be appropriately reduced, allowing for efficient sterilization and deodorization and the sterilization and deodorization machine 10 to be made smaller.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, even if the filter unit 12 has elasticity in the second direction, the wave spacing of the first frame 44 and the photocatalytic filter 40 can be appropriately maintained when the filter unit 12 is attached to the unit accommodating section 28.

[0059] In the above-described embodiments, the light sources 14 are arranged on both sides of the filter unit 12, but the light sources 14 may be arranged on only one side of the filter unit 12. Also, a reflector may be provided on the side where the light sources 14 are not arranged.

[0060] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the blower fan 16 generates an upward airflow, but the flow direction of the airflow generated by the blower fan 16 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the blower fan 16 can generate a horizontal airflow, and the filter unit 12 can be arranged horizontally so that this airflow flows along the first direction. In other words, the arrangement direction of the filter unit 12 may be either vertical or horizontal.

[0061] The specific numerical values ​​and part shapes given above are merely examples and can be changed as needed depending on the product specifications, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10...Sterilization and deodorization machine 12...Filter unit 14...Light source 16...Ventilation fan 20...Case 24...Air intake 26...Exhaust port 28... Unit housing section 40...Photocatalytic filter 40c...crease 42...holding frame 44...1st frame 46...2nd frame 48...3rd frame 52...Unit Guide 60...Spacing regulation section

Claims

1. A sterilizing and deodorizing device that sterilizes and deodorizes using a photocatalytic filter in which a photocatalyst is supported on a flexible sheet-like porous substrate, a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port; a filter unit including the photocatalytic filter and a holding frame, and housed in a unit housing portion within the housing; a light source that irradiates the photocatalytic filter with light; and a blower fan that generates an air flow from the intake port through the unit housing portion toward the exhaust port, The photocatalytic filter is formed in a wave shape in which peaks and valleys extending in a first direction are alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is accommodated in the unit accommodating section so that the air flow flows along the first direction, the holding frame has a first frame provided at both ends of the photocatalytic filter in the first direction so as to extend in a wavy shape in the second direction along a main surface of the photocatalytic filter, and which holds the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter; The first frame has a first opening that allows the airflow to pass in the first direction.

2. The filter unit is detachable from the unit housing portion, the unit accommodating section includes a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides attachment and detachment of the filter unit; 2. The sterilizing deodorizer according to claim 1, wherein the unit guide has a second opening communicating with the first opening.

3. the holding frame has a long plate-shaped second frame provided at both ends of the photocatalytic filter in the second direction and extending in the first direction, 3. The sterilizing deodorizer according to claim 1, wherein a passage for the air flow is formed by the second frame.

4. A sterilizing and deodorizing machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding frame has a third frame that is arranged at the center of the photocatalytic filter in the first direction and extends in a wavy manner in the second direction along the main surface of the photocatalytic filter, thereby maintaining the wavy shape of the photocatalytic filter.

5. 5. The sterilizing deodorizing machine according to claim 1, wherein the holding frame has a spacing restriction portion that restricts the wave spacing of the first frame to a predetermined spacing.

6. the unit accommodating section includes a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides attachment and detachment of the filter unit; the unit guide has a locking portion formed at a center portion in the mounting direction of the filter unit, 5. The sterilizing deodorizer according to claim 1, wherein the first frame has a positioning protrusion that protrudes outward from the photocatalytic filter and is locked by the locking portion.

7. the unit accommodating section includes a unit guide that slidably supports the first frame and guides attachment and detachment of the filter unit; 5. The sterilizing deodorizing machine according to claim 1, wherein the unit guide and the first frame are each formed so that their widths become narrower toward the rear in the mounting direction of the filter unit.

8. 8. The sterilizing deodorizer according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes a first light source that irradiates one main surface of the photocatalytic filter, and a second light source that irradiates the other main surface of the photocatalytic filter.

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