air purifier

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner improved in maintainability of a filter.SOLUTION: An air cleaner has: a housing; a plurality of filters which are arranged within the housing and include a dust collection filter; and a fan which generates an air flow passing through the plurality of filters. A direction for taking out the plurality of filters from the housing is a direction (Y direction) parallel to the air flow for a filter excluding the dust collection filter among the plurality of filters, and a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the air flow for the dust collection filter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air cleaner having a dust collection filter. [Background Art]

[0002] The performance of an air cleaner is largely dependent on the filter included in the air cleaner. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an air cleaner including a pre-filter, a deodorizing filter, and a dust collection filter. Air that has flowed into the air cleaner passes through the pre-filter, the deodorizing filter, and the dust collection filter in this order, and is then exhausted.

[0003] The pre-filter captures relatively large dust. The deodorizing filter includes activated carbon, a photocatalyst, or the like. The dust collection filter collects fine dust and the like that have not been captured by the pre-filter. As the dust collection filter, for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is used.

[0004] Furthermore, as described in, for example, Patent Document 2, some air cleaners have a sterilization function. This type of air cleaner is used by being installed, for example, in a medical booth that accommodates an infectious disease patient. This type of air cleaner includes, for example, an ultraviolet lamp, and is configured to sterilize (which may also be referred to as inactivate) bacteria and viruses collected by the dust collection filter using the ultraviolet lamp. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-213005 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-180826 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] Incidentally, in air purifiers that have multiple types of filters as described above, it is necessary to clean or replace each filter, so it is important that the filters are easy to maintain.

[0007] However, conventional air purifiers did not adequately consider the maintainability of their filters.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points and provides an air purifier with improved filter maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the air purifier disclosed herein is: The casing and Multiple filters, including a dust collection filter, are installed inside the aforementioned enclosure. A fan that generates an airflow passing through the aforementioned multiple filters, An air purifier having, The direction in which the plurality of filters are removed from the housing is, Of the aforementioned plurality of filters, the filters excluding the dust collection filter are oriented parallel to the airflow, while the dust collection filter is oriented perpendicular to the airflow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to realize an air purifier with improved filter maintainability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the air purifier of the embodiment placed inside a medical booth. [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view of the air purifier according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view illustrating the filter removal structure. [Figure 4]A perspective view of the air purifier with an exhaust port cover attached to the exhaust port, as seen obliquely from above [Figure 5] A perspective view of the air purifier with the exhaust port cover removed, as seen obliquely from above [Figure 6] A perspective view for explaining the attachment of an attachment to a top cover [Figure 7] A perspective view for explaining the attachment of an attachment to a top cover [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the detailed configuration of a top cover [Figure 9] A perspective view for explaining the relationship between a top cover and an attachment [Figure 10] A diagram showing the pleat shape of the dust collection filter according to the embodiment [Figure 11] A diagram showing the pleat shape of a general dust collection filter [Figure 12] A schematic top view showing the relationship between a dust collection filter and an ultraviolet lamp in an embodiment [Figure 13] A schematic top view showing the relationship between a dust collection filter and an ultraviolet lamp in an embodiment [Figure 14] A schematic top view showing the relationship between a dust collection filter and an ultraviolet lamp in a comparative example [Figure 15] A block diagram for explaining control of an ultraviolet lamp according to an embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <1> Findings of the inventor leading to the present disclosure The inventors of the present disclosure have noted that in mechanical dust collection type air purifiers, a pre-filter, a deodorizing filter, and a dust collection filter are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side, and many structures adopt an arrangement in which the filters are removed in this order when detaching the filters from the device main body.

[0014] Therefore, when replacing the dust collection filter that has captured viruses and other contaminants, the filter with the most viruses attached is located at the very back of the device, making it difficult to remove. Furthermore, in air purifiers placed in medical booths and similar locations, bacteria and viruses may be attached to the dust collection filter, so from an infection prevention standpoint, it is preferable to remove the dust collection filter without touching the filter itself as much as possible. However, removing the dust collection filter, which is located at the very back of the device, without touching the filter itself is increasingly difficult.

[0015] One possible solution to this problem is to provide a handle on the dust collection filter for removal. However, this would introduce a new drawback: the handle would become an obstacle in the flow path, increasing pressure loss.

[0016] The inventors believed that if the dust collection filter located at the back of the device could be removed independently of the pre-filter and deodorizing filter located in front of it, the maintainability of the filters could be improved, leading to this disclosure.

[0017] <2> Installation inside a medical booth First, before describing the configuration of the air purifier of this embodiment, we will explain an example of how to install the air purifier of this embodiment.

[0018] The air purifier 100 of this embodiment is placed inside the medical booth 10, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a view of the medical booth 10 and the air purifier 100 from the front. Hereafter, the ±X directions in the figure will be referred to as the left-right direction, the ±Y directions as the front-back direction, and the ±Z directions as the up-down direction.

[0019] The medical booth 10 is broadly composed of a frame 11 and a partition 12 that separates the internal space formed by the frame 11 from the external space. In this embodiment, the frame 11 is foldable, and the partition 12 is made of a non-combustible transparent vinyl sheet.

[0020] A duct 13 is connected to the exhaust port of the air purifier 100. The duct 13 is led to the outside through a duct insertion hole 12a formed in the partition 12. As a result, the air sterilized by the air purifier 100 is exhausted to the outside of the medical booth 10 through the duct 13. In the example in Figure 1, the duct insertion hole 12a is described as being provided on the side of the partition 12, which is a vinyl sheet, but the duct insertion hole 12a may also be provided on the top or back of the partition 12.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, when an air purifier 100 is installed inside the medical booth 10 and the air sterilized by the air purifier 100 is exhausted to the outside of the medical booth 10 via a duct 13, the inside of the medical booth 10 becomes effectively negative pressure. As a result, even if outside air enters the medical booth 10 through gaps in the vinyl sheet (partition 12), the air inside the medical booth 10 will not leak out to the outside. Consequently, viruses and other pathogens inside the medical booth 10 can be prevented from leaking out.

[0022] <3> Overall configuration of an air purifier Next, the overall configuration of the air purifier 100 of this embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air purifier 100.

[0023] As can be seen from Figure 2, the air purifier 100 is covered by a housing that consists of a top cover 110, a base 120, a front cover 130, a rear cover 140, a rear upper cover 140a, and side covers 150 and 160.

[0024] The air purifier 100 has a fan case 170 inside its casing, which contains a fan motor 171 and a sirocco fan 172. The sirocco fan 172 is rotated by the fan motor 171, generating an airflow in the -Y direction inside the casing.

[0025] The airflow generated by the sirocco fan 172 flows from the rear cover 140 towards the front cover 130. Therefore, in the following explanation, the side with the rear cover 140 may be referred to as the upstream side, and the side with the front cover 130 as the downstream side.

[0026] A main frame 180 is provided adjacent to the fan case 170. The main frame 180 is erected on the base 120. An opening 181 is formed in the main frame 180, and when the sirocco fan 172 is driven to rotate, air is drawn into the sirocco fan 172 through this opening 181.

[0027] Between the main frame 180 and the rear cover 140, a pre-filter 210, a deodorizing filter 220, a light-shielding plate 230, an ultraviolet lamp 240, a metal case 250, and a dust collection filter 260 are provided in order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0028] The rear cover 140 has a mesh-like intake port. The pre-filter 210 captures relatively large dust particles. The deodorizing filter 220 is composed of a deodorizer, such as activated carbon. The light shielding plate 230 is provided to prevent light from the ultraviolet lamp 240 from leaking to the outside through the rear cover 140. Here, the external dimensions of the light shielding plate 230 are set to the smallest size that can cover the ultraviolet lamp 240. This is done to block ultraviolet light while minimizing the reduction in airflow caused by the light shielding plate 230.

[0029] Incidentally, an adjustment plate (not shown) may be provided between the ultraviolet lamp 240 and the dust collection filter 260 to adjust the level of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the dust collection filter 260. This prevents deterioration of the dust collection filter 260 caused by irradiation of the dust collection filter 260 with ultraviolet light exceeding a predetermined intensity. The adjustment plate (not shown) is a plate with numerous holes formed in it. The level of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the dust collection filter 260 can be adjusted according to the size and number of holes.

[0030] The metal case 250 is a frame to which the ultraviolet lamp 240 and the light shield 230 are mounted. The metal case 250 has a power supply line that supplies power to the ultraviolet lamp 240. The ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet lamp 240 is irradiated onto the dust collection filter 260.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the dust collection filter 260 has a frame 261 and a filter body 262 supported by the frame 261. In this embodiment, the filter body 262 is an ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filter. The ULPA filter captures bacteria and viruses in the medical booth 10. The bacteria and viruses captured by the ULPA filter are inactivated by ultraviolet light. Note that instead of the ULPA filter, a HEPA filter may be used as the filter body 262. Various filters capable of capturing bacteria and viruses can be applied as the filter body 262.

[0032] An exhaust port 111 (see Figure 4) is formed in the top cover 110. A flap 111a can be attached to the exhaust port. The flap 111a is rotatably attached above the exhaust port 111. In other words, the flap 111a is attached so that the exhaust port 111 can be opened and closed. When the air purifier 100 is not in air purification operation, the flap 111a is rotated to a position (downward) that covers the exhaust port 111, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. This prevents dust and other debris from entering the exhaust port 111. Conversely, when the air purifier 100 is in air purification operation, the flap 111a is rotated 90° upward (upright), exposing the exhaust port 111.

[0033] Furthermore, the top cover 110 is provided with an operating unit 112. The operating unit 112 has operating buttons and a display. By operating the operating unit 112, the user can control the air purifier 100, such as turning it on and off and adjusting its intensity. The user can also check the operating status of the air purifier 100 by looking at the display on the operating unit 112.

[0034] <4> Filter removal structure Next, the filter removal structure will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing how each filter of the air purifier 100 is removed.

[0035] Of the pre-filter 210, deodorizing filter 220, and dust collection filter 260, the pre-filter 210 and deodorizing filter 220 are sandwiched between the rear cover 140 and the main frame 180 when the rear cover 140 is engaged with the main frame 180. In other words, as can be seen from Figure 3, the pre-filter 210 and deodorizing filter 220 can be removed in the Y direction indicated by the arrow y in the figure by removing the rear cover 140. Incidentally, in the example of Figure 3, a filter retaining member 2111 is provided on the upstream side of the pre-filter 210.

[0036] In contrast, of the pre-filter 210, deodorizing filter 220, and dust collection filter 260, the dust collection filter 260 can be removed in the X direction indicated by the arrow x in Figure 3. Specifically, one of the two side covers 150 and 160 has an insertion opening 151 into which the dust collection filter 260 can be inserted, and an insertion opening 182 is also formed on the side of the main frame 180 opposite the insertion opening 151, into which the dust collection filter 260 can be inserted. The dust collection filter 260 can be inserted into and removed from the air purifier 100 in the ±X directions indicated by the arrow x in Figure 3 via these insertion openings 151 and 182.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the side cover 150 is detachably fitted with a cover 152 to cover the insertion port 151 (omitted in Figure 2). When the air purifier 100 is in operation, the cover 152 is attached to the side cover 150, thereby blocking the insertion port 151. A gasket is provided on the inside of the cover 152 that tightly contacts the side cover 150, thereby increasing the degree of airtightness provided by the cover 152. On the other hand, when replacing the dust collection filter 260, the cover 152 is removed from the side cover 150, and the dust collection filter 260 is pulled out from the insertion port 151.

[0038] A handle 263 is formed on the side of the frame 261 of the dust collection filter 260. This allows the user to easily remove the dust collection filter 260 from the air purifier unit by pinching the handle 263 with their fingers. Furthermore, since the handle 263 is located on the outer surface of the frame 261, bacteria and viruses hardly adhere to it, so the user can remove the dust collection filter 260 without bacteria or viruses adhering to their hands.

[0039] Thus, in this embodiment, the air purifier 100 allows the dust collection filter 260, located at the very back of the device body, to be removed independently of the pre-filter 210 and deodorizing filter 220 located closer to it, thereby improving the maintainability of the filters.

[0040] <5> Duct mounting structure Next, the duct mounting structure of the air purifier 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4-7.

[0041] The air purifier 100 of this embodiment can be used with or without a duct 13. The state with the duct 13 is when it is installed and used inside a medical booth 10, as shown in Figure 1. In this state, the inside of the medical booth 10 can be made negatively pressurized, as described above. On the other hand, the state without the duct 13 is when it is placed and used in a space other than a negative-pressure booth.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the state of the air purifier 100 when it is used without the duct 13 (i.e., when it is used outside of a negative pressure booth). An exhaust port cover 113 is attached to the exhaust port 111 of the air purifier 100 (note that in Figure 4, the flap 111a shown in Figures 2 and 3 is omitted for simplification). The exhaust port cover 113 can be easily attached to and detached from the top cover 110 by the engagement of engaging claws and engaging holes. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the exhaust port cover 113 removed from the top cover 110.

[0043] Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views showing the state of the air purifier 100 when it is used with the duct 13 attached (i.e., when used in a negative pressure booth). An attachment 300 is attached to the top cover 110 so as to cover the exhaust port 111.

[0044] The attachment 300 has a base portion 301 that covers the exhaust port 111 and a cylindrical duct mounting portion 302 that extends upward from the base portion 301. The outer dimensions of the duct mounting portion 302 are slightly smaller than those of the duct 13, so that the duct 13 is attached so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the duct mounting portion 302. The air that exits from the exhaust port 111 is discharged to the outside of the medical booth 10 via the base portion 301, the duct mounting portion 302 and the duct 13.

[0045] Thus, the air purifier 100 of this embodiment can be selectively fitted with an exhaust port cover 113 and an attachment 300 to which a duct 13 can be attached. Therefore, it is possible to choose whether to use it outside of a negative pressure booth (medical booth 10) or to use it as a pressure reducer inside a negative pressure booth (medical booth 10). As a result, a highly versatile air purifier 100 can be realized.

[0046] A flange 301a is formed on the base portion 301 of the attachment 300. In addition, an engaging claw 301b is formed on the wall portion of the base portion 301 opposite to the wall portion on which the flange 301a is formed.

[0047] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the top cover 110, and Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the relationship between the top cover 110 and the attachment 300.

[0048] The top cover 110 has a recess 114 which serves as a fitting portion into which the flange 301a of the base portion 301 fits, and an engagement hole 115 into which the engaging claw 301b of the base portion 301 engages. The depth of the recess 114 is approximately the same as the thickness of the flange 301a.

[0049] As a result, when the attachment 300 is placed near the exhaust port 111 of the top cover 110, the flange 301a fits into the recess 114, and the engaging claw 301b engages with the engaging hole 115, thereby positioning the attachment 300 in a predetermined position on the top cover 110. At this time, the internal space of the attachment 300 is sealed from the outside.

[0050] In this state, the top cover 110 and the flange 301a are fastened together by screwing the screw 116 into the screw hole 116a drilled in the recess 114 and flange 301a. As a result, the attachment 300 is fixed to a predetermined position on the top cover 110.

[0051] This configuration allows the duct attachment 300 to be easily and reliably attached to the air purifier unit, resulting in a highly versatile and reliable air purifier 100.

[0052] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 9, the base portion 301 accommodates the flap 111a and is higher than the height of the flap 111a in the upright position. As a result, the flap 111a can be raised inside the base portion 301 without colliding with the inner wall of the base portion 301, so that the exhaust is not obstructed by the attachment 300.

[0053] Here, when the air purifier 100 is not operating, the flap 111a is in a down position covering the exhaust port 111, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, whereas when the air purifier 100 is operating, it is in an upright position opening the exhaust port 111, as shown in Figure 9. With the attachment 300 of this embodiment, the upright position of the flap 111a is not obstructed, so exhaust is not hindered.

[0054] <6> Dust collection filter Next, the configuration of the dust collection filter 260 in this embodiment will be described using Figure 10.

[0055] Figure 10 shows the shape of the pleats in the dust collection filter 260 of the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 10 is a schematic top view of the filter body 262 of the dust collection filter 260. The filter body 262 has pleats. This increases the surface area, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the airflow.

[0056] In this embodiment, the pleats include a short pleat 262a with a short fold length in the direction of airflow (-Y direction) and a long pleat 262b with a longer fold length in the direction of airflow (-Y direction) than the short pleat 262a, with the long pleat 262b protruding downstream of the airflow than the short pleat 262a.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the long pleats 262b are formed at predetermined intervals in the direction of pleat arrangement (±X direction).

[0058] By adopting this pleated shape, the airflow downstream of the dust collection filter 260 can be straightened.

[0059] By the way, in order for air to pass through the dust collection filter, it is necessary to blow or draw air in with a fan, and the wind noise from this fan is a major cause of noise in air purifiers. If a typical pleated shape like the one shown in Figure 11 is adopted, turbulence is generated when air flows into the fan, reducing the efficiency of ventilation, so it is necessary to rotate the fan at a higher speed to increase the airflow. As a result, this leads to an increase in noise due to the increased rotation speed of the fan.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, the pleated shape of this embodiment makes it less likely for turbulence to occur when air flows into the fan (a sirocco fan 172 in this embodiment), thus suppressing a decrease in ventilation efficiency. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the fan at high speed to increase the airflow, and thus noise does not increase.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pleats are given a rectifying function, so noise can be suppressed without adding components such as rectifier plates.

[0062] <7> Configuration of the UV irradiation section Next, the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation unit will be described using Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 are schematic top views showing the relationship between the filter body 262 of the dust collection filter 260 and the ultraviolet lamp 240 as the ultraviolet irradiation unit. As mentioned above, in the example of the embodiment, the filter body 262 of the dust collection filter 260 has both short pleats and long pleats, but in Figures 12 and 13, for the sake of simplicity, an example is shown in which the filter body 262 has only short pleats.

[0063] In this embodiment, multiple ultraviolet lamps 240 are provided upstream of the filter body 262 to irradiate the upstream surface of the filter body 262 with ultraviolet light. Here, the multiple ultraviolet lamps 240 are arranged along the pleat arrangement direction (±X direction).

[0064] In this way, by placing the ultraviolet lamp 240 upstream of the dust collection filter 260, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the upstream surface of the dust collection filter 260, where a large amount of bacteria and viruses adhere, thereby improving the inactivation efficiency of bacteria and viruses.

[0065] Furthermore, by arranging multiple ultraviolet lamps 240 along the pleat arrangement direction (±X direction), the probability of ultraviolet light reaching the back of the pleats can be increased, thereby further improving the efficiency of inactivating bacteria and viruses.

[0066] In this case, when the dust collection filter 260 is inactivated by ultraviolet light, the inactivation efficiency depends on how and at what output ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the dust collection filter 260. While it is possible to use an ultraviolet LED, ultraviolet LEDs have a lower output compared to ultraviolet lamps, making it difficult to obtain a sufficient inactivation effect. Taking this into consideration, in this embodiment, the inactivation effect is enhanced by using a high-output ultraviolet lamp 240.

[0067] However, even when using the UV lamp 240, as shown in the comparative example in Figure 14, if the ultraviolet light from the UV lamp 240 does not reach the back of the pleats, the inactivation effect by ultraviolet light will not be sufficiently obtained.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, multiple ultraviolet lamps 240 are arranged along the direction of the pleat arrangement (±X direction). This makes the angle from the light-emitting part of the ultraviolet lamp 240 to the pleats acute, allowing ultraviolet light to reach deeper into the pleats.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, by providing a light-shielding plate 230 upstream of the ultraviolet lamp 240, and making the surface of this light-shielding plate 230 facing the dust collection filter 260 (filter body 262) a mirror surface, it is possible to generate ultraviolet light at a different angle from direct light, allowing ultraviolet light to irradiate even the inner parts of the pleats over a wider area. Note that a mirror surface means a state with high reflectivity, which can be achieved, for example, by using a material with high reflectivity or by performing a mirror finish.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, by folding the light-shielding plate 230, ultraviolet light can be irradiated to the back of the pleats over a wider area. In addition, the shape of the folding process can be used to concentrate ultraviolet light in areas where a lot of air passes through, thereby increasing the inactivation efficiency.

[0071] <8> Control of the UV irradiation area Next, the control of the ultraviolet irradiation unit (ultraviolet lamp 240) in this embodiment will be described.

[0072] As shown in the block diagram of Figure 15, when the user operates the operation unit 112, an operation signal from the operation unit 112 is input to the control unit 400, and the control unit 400 controls the ultraviolet lamp 240 based on the operation signal.

[0073] For example, when the user presses the power-on button on the control unit 112, the control unit 400 rotates the fan motor 171 and illuminates the ultraviolet lamp 240. On the other hand, when the user presses the power-off button on the control unit 112, the control unit 400 basically stops the rotation of the fan motor 171 and stops the illumination of the ultraviolet lamp 240.

[0074] However, in this embodiment, the control unit 400 continues to emit ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp 240 for a predetermined period even after the operation unit 112 has received a power-off command. In other words, the control unit 400 continues to emit light from the ultraviolet lamp 240 for a predetermined period even after the rotation of the fan motor 171 has stopped. The control unit 400 stops the emission of light from the ultraviolet lamp 240 after the predetermined period (for example, after 30 minutes).

[0075] This allows for more reliable inactivation of bacteria and viruses attached to the dust collection filter 260. In other words, since bacteria and viruses attach to the dust collection filter 260 while the fan motor 171 is rotating, if the ultraviolet lamp 240 is turned off at the same time as the fan motor 171, there is a high possibility that bacteria and viruses that attached just before being turned off will not be sufficiently inactivated by the ultraviolet lamp 240. This control method of this embodiment can avoid such a situation.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned predetermined period is determined based on the operating period of the air purifier 100 or the airflow rate, from the time the power-on operation is received until the power-off operation is received. For example, the longer the operating period or airflow rate, the higher the likelihood that there will be more bacteria and viruses attached to the dust collection filter 260, so it is preferable to lengthen the above-mentioned predetermined period.

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferable to display a warning when the fan 172 is stopped and ultraviolet light is being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit (ultraviolet lamp 240). This prevents the user from accidentally opening the cover to replace the filter or perform other procedures while ultraviolet light is being emitted.

[0078] Furthermore, it is preferable to lock the door (cover 152) for removing the dust collection filter 260 when the fan 172 is stopped and ultraviolet light is being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit (ultraviolet lamp 240). This ensures that the user does not accidentally open the cover 152 when ultraviolet light is being emitted.

[0079] <9> summary As described above, the air purifier 100 of this embodiment has a housing, a plurality of filters including a dust collection filter 260 disposed inside the housing, and a fan 172 that generates an airflow that passes through the plurality of filters. The direction in which the plurality of filters are removed from the housing is parallel to the airflow (Y direction) for the filters excluding the dust collection filter 260, and perpendicular to the airflow (X direction) for the dust collection filter 260.

[0080] In other words, in this embodiment of the air purifier 100, the removal direction of the filters located upstream of the dust collection filter 260 is different from the removal direction of the dust collection filter 260.

[0081] Furthermore, the dust collection filter 260 is located at the downstream end of the multiple filters, and the dust collection filter 260 can be removed independently of the other filters.

[0082] This makes it possible to create an air purifier 100 with improved filter maintainability. In particular, the maintainability of the dust collection filter 260 is improved.

[0083] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, of the multiple filters, all filters except the dust collection filter 260 can be removed from the direction of the rear cover 140 that constitutes the housing, while the dust collection filter 260 can be removed from an insertion opening 151 formed on the side of the housing. This makes it possible to remove the dust collection filter 260 independently of the other filters.

[0084] Furthermore, the frame 261 of the dust collection filter 260 has a handle 263 formed therein for removing the dust collection filter 260. This allows the user to remove the dust collection filter 260 from the air purifier without touching the filter body 262 to which bacteria and viruses may be attached, thus preventing bacteria and viruses from adhering to the user's hands.

[0085] Furthermore, an ultraviolet lamp 240 is provided upstream of the dust collection filter 260, adjacent to the dust collection filter 260. In such a configuration, the ultraviolet lamp 240 would obstruct the removal of the dust collection filter 260 from the upstream side. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the removal direction of the dust collection filter 260 is perpendicular to the airflow (X direction), so the dust collection filter 260 can be easily removed without removing the ultraviolet lamp 240.

[0086] The embodiments described above are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

[0087] The above-described embodiment mentions a case where a handle 263 for the user to grasp with their fingers is formed on the frame 261 of the dust collection filter 260, but it is not limited to this. For example, a first engaging portion may be formed on the frame 261, and a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion may be formed on the back side of the cover 152, so that the dust collection filter 260 can be pulled out together with the cover 152.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, a case in which an ultraviolet lamp 240 is used as the ultraviolet irradiation unit was mentioned, but the invention is not limited to this, and an ultraviolet LED can also be used instead of the ultraviolet lamp 240. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] The air purifier of this disclosure is suitable, for example, as an air purifier installed in a medical booth. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 10 Medical Booths 11 Frame Body 12 compartments 13 Ducts 100 Air Purifiers 110 Top Cover 111 Exhaust vent 111a Flap 112 Operation section 113 Exhaust vent cover 114 recess 115 Engagement holes 116 screws 116a Screw hole 120 base 130 Front cover 140 Back cover 150, 160 Side Covers 151, 182 sockets 152 Cover 170 Fan Case 171 Fan motor 172 Sirocco fan 180 Main frame 181 Aperture 210 Pre-filter 220 Deodorizing filter 230 Shading plate 240 UV lamp 250 Metal Case 260 Dust Collection Filter 261 Frame 262 Filter body 262a Short pleats 262b Long pleats 263 Handle 300 Attachments 301 Base part 301a Flange 302 Duct mounting section 400 Control Unit

Claims

1. The casing and Multiple filters, including a dust collection filter, are installed inside the aforementioned enclosure. A fan that generates an airflow passing through the aforementioned multiple filters, An air purifier having, The plurality of filters are arranged in line in the direction of the airflow, The direction in which the plurality of filters are removed from the housing is, for the filters excluding the dust collection filter, parallel to the airflow, and for the dust collection filter, perpendicular to the airflow. The dust collection filter can be removed from the housing independently of the other filters, without removing the other filters from the housing. Air purifier.

2. The dust collection filter is located at the downstream end among the plurality of filters. The air purifier according to claim 1.

3. Of the aforementioned multiple filters, the filters excluding the dust collection filter can be removed from the direction of the rear cover that constitutes the housing. The dust collection filter is removable through an opening formed on the side of the housing. The air purifier according to claim 1.

4. The frame of the dust collection filter has a handle formed therein for removing the dust collection filter. The air purifier according to claim 3.

5. An ultraviolet lamp is provided upstream of the dust collection filter, adjacent to the dust collection filter. The air purifier according to claim 1.

6. The dust collection filter is either an ULPA filter or a HEPA filter. The air purifier according to claim 1.

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