BACKGROUND
Technical Field [0001]
The present invention relates to a suction unit and an air cleaner. Related Art [0002]
An air cleaner that causes a deodorization filter to suck odorous components by allowing the air in a room to pass through the deodorization filter and regenerates deodorizing capacity of the deodorization filter by heating the deodorization filter has been known. Among such air cleaners, an air cleaner including a heating portion provided rotatably with a deodorization filter in a plate shape and which heats a portion of the deodorization filter between a pair of heat transfer plates is known. [0003]
Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2016-43105 Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 10-277365 Patent Document 3: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2016-49402
SUMMARY
[0004]
In the air cleaner as described above, heat of the heat transfer plate is more easily transmitted to the deodorization filter by bringing the deodorization filter and the heat transfer plate closer in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter to make the interval between the deodorization filter and the heat transfer plate smaller. The heated temperature of the deodorization filter is thereby raised, enhancing the efficiency of regenerating the deodorization filter. However, the deodorization filter passing through the pair of heat transfer plates is more likely to come into contact with the heat transfer plates by the interval between the deodorization filter and the heat transfer plate

being made smaller, causing damage of the deodorization filter by the heat transfer plate
and the deodorization filter being brought into contact.
[0005]
Thus, to regulate the position of the deodorization filter in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter, a configuration in which a plurality of bobbins is used as regulation members that support the outer circumferential portion and the inner circumferential portion of the deodorization filter to regulate the deodorization filter between flanges of the bobbins is known. However, this configuration has a problem of making a support structure of the deodorization filter complex by using the plurality of bobbins. [0006]
The disclosed technology is developed in view of the above problems and an object thereof is to provide a suction unit capable of properly regulating the interval between the filter and the heat transfer plate and an air cleaner. [0007]
An aspect of a suction unit disclosed by the present application includes a filter formed like a plate, a heat transfer plate arranged opposite to a portion of the filter, a heater that heats a portion of the filter via the heat transfer plate by heating the heat transfer plate, a drive unit that moves the filter with respect to the heat transfer plate, and a case that forms a heating space by covering the heat transfer plate, wherein a cover that covers an edge of the filter is provided in at least one of an outer circumferential portion and an inner circumferential portion of the filter and a position regulation means for regulating an interval between the filter and the heat transfer plate in a thickness direction of the filter is provided in at least one of the cover, the heat transfer plate, and the case. [0008]
Accordine to an asnect of the suction unit disclosed bv the nresent annli cation.

the interval between the filter and the heat transfer plate can properly be regulated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an air cleaner according to a first example;
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the air cleaner according to the first example;
FIG. 3 is an A-A sectional view in FIG. 1 showing the air cleaner according to the first example;
FIG. 4 is a B-B sectional view in FIG. 1 showing the air cleaner according to the first example;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a deodorization unit according to the first example;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the deodorization unit according to the first example;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a deodorization filter portion of the deodorization unit according to the first example;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an outer circumferential portion filter cover of the deodorization filter portion of the deodorization unit according to the first example;
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a portion of a front face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing by enlarging a portion of the front face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 11 is a D-D sectional view in FIG. 10 showing the front face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an engaging height and an opening included in

the front face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a portion of a rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing by enlarging a portion of the rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing by enlarging a portion of the rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 16 is an E-E sectional view in FIG. 14 showing the rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an engaging height and an opening included in the rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front face side cover member and the rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example are assembled;
FIG. 19 is an F-F sectional view in FIG. 18 showing a state in which the front face side cover member and the rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example are assembled;
FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a modification of the opening included in the front face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a modification of the opening included in the rear face side cover member of the outer circumferential portion filter cover in the first example;
FIG. 22 is a C-C sectional view in FIG. 6 showing a filter regeneration portion of the deodorization unit according to the first example;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the filter regeneration portion of the deodorization unit according to the first example;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a front face side case member of the filter regeneration portion in the first example from inside;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a rear face side case member of the filter regeneration portion in the first example from inside;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the filter regeneration portion in the first example as a partial section;
FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing by enlarging a first height of a deodorization filter portion in the first example;
FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing by enlarging a second height of the deodorization filter portion in the first example;
FIG. 29 is a sectional perspective view showing a through hole of a heat transfer plate and a shaft member in the first example;
FIG. 30 is a schematic view illustrating the amount of protrusion of the first height in the first example;
FIG. 31 is a schematic view illustrating the amount of protrusion of the first height in the first example;
FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating the deodorization filter portion according to a modification;
FIG. 33 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion of a suction unit according to a second example;
FIG. 34 is an enlarged view showing the deodorization filter portion of the suction unit according to the second example;
FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion of the suction unit according to a third example;
FIG. 36 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion of the suction

unit according to a fourth example; and
FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion of the suction unit according to a fifth example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010]
Hereinafter, the examples of the suction unit and air cleaner disclosed by the present application will be described in detail based on the drawings. However, the suction unit and air cleaner disclosed by the present application are not limited by the i examples described below. Also in the description that follows, the same reference signs are attached to the same components to omit a duplicate description. [0011]
[Configuration of Air Cleaner]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an air cleaner according to a first example. An air cleaner 1 as an example includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a body cabinet 11, a front face panel 12, a front panel 13, and a rear panel 14. The body cabinet 11 is formed from a synthetic resin material and formed like a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The body cabinet 11 includes a top face panel 11a, a right-side face panel lib, a left-side face panel lie, and a bottom lid. The bottom lid i forms a lower portion of the body cabinet 11 and is placed on an installation surface on which the air cleaner 1 is installed. The right-side face panel lib and the left-side face panel lie form side faces of the body cabinet 11 by being arranged opposite to each other and the lower end of each is j oined to the bottom lid. The top face panel 11a forms an upper portion of the body cabinet 11 and is joined to the upper end of the right-side face panel lib and the upper end of the left-side face panel lie. The front face panel 12 is arranged on the front face of the body cabinet 11. The front panel 13 is arranged in front of the front face panel 12.

[0012]
An upper surface suction opening 13a, a right-side face suction opening 13b, a left-side face suction opening 13c, and an undersurface suction opening 13d are formed between the front panel 13 and the front face panel 12. The upper surface suction opening 13a is arranged on the upper side of the front panel 13. The right-side face suction opening 13b is arranged on the side of the right-side face panel lib of the front panel 13. The left-side face suction opening 13c is arranged on the side of the left-side face panel lie of the front panel 13. The undersurface suction opening 13d is arranged on the side of the bottom lid of the front panel 13. [0013]
The air cleaner 1 further includes an operating unit 15. The operating unit 15 is arranged on the upper surface of the air cleaner 1 like covering a portion of the upper surface suction opening 13a. The operating unit 15 includes buttons and a display unit. Buttons include a power button and an operation mode switching button and are used to operate the air cleaner 1. The display unit displays an operation state of the air cleaner 1 and a detection result of a detector such as a dust sensor (not shown). [0014]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the air cleaner according to the first example. The rear panel 14 is formed from a synthetic resin material and arranged, as shown in FIG. 2, on a rear face on the opposite side of the front face on which the front face panel 12 is arranged. An upper surface outlet 14a, a right-side face outlet 14b, and a left-side face outlet 14c are formed between the body cabinet 11 and the rear panel 14. The upper surface outlet 14a is arranged on the side of the top face panel 11a of the rear panel 14. The right-side face outlet 14b is arranged on the side of the right-side face panel lib of the rear panel 14. The left-side face outlet 14c is arranged on the side of the left-side face panel lie of the rear panel 14. [0015]

The air cleaner 1 performs dust removal, humidification, and deodorization of the air sucked into the body cabinet 11 from the upper surface suction opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13 c, or the undersurface suction opening 13d while the air is blown out from the upper surface outlet 14a, the right-side face outlet 14b, or the left-side face outlet 14c. [0016]
In FIG. 1 and thereafter, the air cleaner 1 is shown by defining a forward and backward direction (depth direction) thereof as the X direction, a width direction thereof as the Y direction, and a height direction thereof as the Z direction. Also in the description that follows, the side on which the front face panel 12 of the body cabinet 11 is arranged is defined as a "front face side" and the side on which the rear panel 14 of the body cabinet 11 is arranged is defined as a "rear face side". [0017]
FIG. 3 is an A-A sectional view in FIG. 1 showing the air cleaner according to the first example. The body cabinet 11 has, as shown in FIG. 3, an air duct 10 formed inside. The air duct 10 connects the upper surface suction opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13 c, and the undersurface suction opening 13d to the upper surface outlet 14a, the right-side face outlet 14b, and the left-side face outlet 14c. [0018]
The air cleaner 1 further includes a pre-filter 21, a dust collecting unit 22, a deodorization unit 23 as a suction unit, a humidification unit 24, and an air blower 25. The pre-filter 21, the dust collecting unit 22, the deodorization unit 23, the humidification unit 24, and the air blower 25 are arranged on the air duct 10 inside the body cabinet 11. [0019]
The pre-filter 21 is formed, for example, as a network structure in which a

thread-like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material is woven. The pre-filter 21 is arranged on the front face side of the air duct 10. The pre-filter 21 collects dust contained in the air sucked into the air duct 10 inside the body cabinet 11 from each of the upper surface suction opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the undersurface suction opening 13d. [0020]
The dust collecting unit 22 is arranged on the rear face side of the pre-filter 21 of the air duct 10. The body cabinet 11 further includes a partition plate 16. The partition plate 16 is arranged on the rear face side of the front panel 13 and forms a
i portion of the body cabinet 11. The dust collecting unit 22 includes a first electric dust collector 22a and a second electric dust collector 22b. The first electric dust collector 22a and the second electric dust collector 22b are arranged in an up and down direction and supported by the partition plate 16. The first electric dust collector 22a and the second electric dust collector 22b each include a cabinet, a discharge electrode, and a dust collecting electrode (not shown). The discharge electrode and the dust collecting electrode are supported inside the cabinet. The discharge electrode charges fine dust, pollen and the like that have not been collected by the pre-filter 21 by corona charging. The dust collecting electrode collects dust, pollen and the like collected by the discharge electrode. The dust collecting unit 22 has the first electric dust collector 22a and the
i second electric dust collector 22b formed of the discharge electrode, the dust collecting electrode, and the cabinet and so has a smaller air resistance than other dust collecting filters created by forming, for example, a nonwoven fabric in a pleat shape. [0021]
The deodorization unit 23 is arranged on the rear face side of the pre-filter 21 of the air duct 10. The humidification unit 24 is arranged on the rear face side of the deodorization unit 23 of the air duct 10. The humidification unit 24 includes a humidification filter 24a and a water storage tank 24b. Water is stored in the water

storage tank 24b. The humidification filter 24a is formed in a disk shape and arranged in such a way that a portion of the humidification filter 24a is immersed in water stored in the water storage tank 24b. Further, the humidification filter 24a is rotatably supported by a rotation axis so that the portion thereof immersed in water stored in the water storage tank 24b moves and rotated by a motor (not shown). The humidification unit 24 humidifies the air flowing through the air duct 10 by allowing the air to pass through the humidification filter 24a humidified by water stored in the water storage tank 24b. [0022]
However, the humidification unit 24 is not limited to the above configuration and may be configured like, for example, a water wheel that wets the humidification filter 24a by scooping up water stored in the water storage tank 24b by a plurality of recesses formed on the outer circumferential side of the humidification filter 24a. In this case, the humidification filter 24a may be provided so as not to be immersed in water stored in the water storage tank 24b. Also, the humidification filter 24a may be provided so as not to be rotated. In this case, the humidification filter 24a may be replaced by another humidification filter that scoops up water stored in the water storage tank 24b by capillarity. [0023]
The air blower 25 is arranged on the rear face side of the humidification unit 24 of the air duct 10. The air blower 25 includes a turbo fan 25a and a fan motor 25b. The fan motor 25b can change the rotation number and rotates the turbo fan 25a. The turbo fan 25a is formed from a synthetic resin material and connected to an output axis of the fan motor 25b. The turbo fan 25a allows the air to flow from the upper surface suction opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the undersurface suction opening 13d toward the upper surface outlet 14a, the right-side face outlet 14b, and the left-side face outlet 14c by rotating. That is,

the air blower 25 takes the air into the air cleaner 1 from the upper surface suction opening 13 a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the undersurface suction opening 13d and allows the air to pass along the air duct 10. The air blower 25 further releases the air having passed through the air duct
10 to the outside of the air cleaner 1 via the upper surface outlet 14a, the right-side face
outlet 14b, and the left-side face outlet 14c.
[0024]
The air blower 25 is arranged in such a way that a height D of the center of the fan motor 25b matches the height of the space between the first electric dust collector 22a and the second electric dust collector 22b of the dust collecting unit 22. The amount of flow of the air due to rotation of the turbo fan 25a is small near the center of the fan motor 25b and thus, the amount of flow of the air is small in the space near the center of the fan motor 25b in the air duct 10. In the dust collecting unit 22, the air does not pass between the first electric dust collector 22a and the second electric dust collector 22b. Therefore, the dust collecting unit 22 can remove dust highly efficiently by the first electric dust collector 22a and the second electric dust collector 22b being arranged in a space in which the amount of flow of the air is large. [0025]
FIG. 4 is a B-B sectional view in FIG. 1 showing the air cleaner according to the first example. The pre-filter 21 is formed, as shown in FIG. 4, in an arch shape in which the center thereof is convex toward the front face side. Thus, compared with a case in which the pre-filter 21 is flatly formed, the pre-filter 21 has a larger area where the air sucked into the body cabinet 11 from each of the upper surface suction opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the undersurface suction opening 13d passes through the pre-filter 21. Accordingly, the pre-filter 21 is enabled to collect more dust from the air sucked into the body cabinet
11 from each of the upper surface suction opening 13 a, the right-side face suction

opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the undersurface suction
opening 13 d.
[0026]
[Configuration of Deodorization Unit]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a deodorization unit according to the first example. The deodorization unit 23 as a suction unit according to the first example includes, as shown in FIG. 5, a deodorization filter portion 23a, a filter regeneration portion 23f, and a holding portion 23g. The deodorization filter portion 23a is formed in a disk shape. The filter regeneration portion 23f is formed in a substantially triangular shape and covers a portion of both sides in a circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The holding portion 23g is fixed to the body cabinet 11 and supports the deodorization filter portion 23a and the filter regeneration portion 23f [0027]
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example. The holding portion 23g is formed, as shown in FIG. 6, from a synthetic resin material in a substantially quadrangular shape and has an opening 23gd in a circular shape in accordance with the shape of the deodorization filter portion 23a formed in the center thereof. Further, the holding portion 23g has a regeneration portion housing portion 23ge in a convex shape in accordance with the shape of the filter regeneration portion 23f formed above (a location to be above when the holding portion 23g is arranged on the air duct 10. Hereinafter, it is denoted as "above") the opening 23gd. [0028]
Further, the deodorization unit 23 includes two rollers 23m, a rotation detection gear 23k, a rotation detector 23r, a drive unit 23h, a drive gear 23j, and four pressing members 23z. Each of the two rollers 23m is formed from a synthetic resin material

and includes a cylinder portion 23mb, an upper flange 23mc, and a lower flange 23md. The cylinder portion 23mb is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hole 23ma. The upper flange 23mc and the lower flange 23md are each formed in a disk shape having a larger diameter than the cylinder portion 23mb and project to the outer circumferential side from both ends of the cylinder portion 23mb. The holding portion 23g has two first axes 23ga formed therein. The two first axes 23ga are arranged at both corners below (a location to be below when the holding portion 23g is arranged on the air duct 10. Hereinafter, it is denoted as "below") the holding portion 23g. The two first axes 23ga rotatably support the two rollers 23m each by being inserted into the hole 23ma of the two rollers 23m. [0029]
The rotation detection gear 23k is formed from a synthetic resin material. Further, the holding portion 23g has a second axis 23gb formed therein. The second axis 23gb is arranged on the left side (the left side when the deodorization filter portion 23a is viewed from the front face side) of the regeneration portion housing portion 23ge. The second axis 23gb rotatably supports the rotation detection gear 23k by the rotation detection gear 23k being inserted. The rotation detector 23r detects rotation of the rotation detection gear 23k. As the rotation detector 23r, for example, a photo interrupter is used. The photo interrupter has an emission portion and a reception portion and the emission portion and the reception portion are arranged opposite to each other across a detection target. The photo interrupter can detect the presence/absence and the position of a detection target by detecting light emitted by the emission portion by the reception portion. [0030]
The drive gear 23j is formed from a synthetic resin material. The drive unit 23h has, for example, a stepping motor and the drive gear 23j is mounted on the output axis of the stepping motor. Further, the holding portion 23g has a drive unit fixing

portion 23gc formed therein. The drive unit fixing portion 23gc is arranged on the right side (the right side when the deodorization filter portion 23a is viewed from the front face side) of the regeneration portion housing portion 23 ge and supports the drive unit 23h. The drive unit 23h rotates the drive gear 23j. [0031]
The four pressing members 23z are formed as a plate material from a synthetic resin material in a substantially pentagonal shape and formed in a shape that can be fitted into the holding portion 23g. The pressing member 23z is fitted into the holding portion 23g after the two rollers 23m, the rotation detection gear 23k, the drive unit 23h, and the drive gear 23j are inserted into the holding portion 23g. The pressing members 23z press the two rollers 23m, the rotation detection gear 23k, the drive unit 23h, and the drive gear 23j by being fitted into the holding portion 23g to support and prevent the two rollers 23m, the rotation detection gear 23k, the drive unit 23h, and the drive gear 23j from coming off the holding portion 23g. [0032]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the deodorization filter portion 23a of the deodorization unit according to the first example. The deodorization filter portion 23a includes, as shown in FIG. 7, a deodorization filter 23aa, an outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac, and an inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae. [0033]
The deodorization filter 23aa is formed in a disk shape and has a through hole 23aao formed in the center thereof. The deodorization filter 23aa is formed in such a way that the air passes in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa. The deodorization filter 23aa decomposes sucked odorous components by sucking odorous components from the passing air and heating odorous components by a PTC heater 23b described below. The deodorization filter 23aa includes, for example, a substrate (not shown) and a catalyst layer formed in the substrate. The substrate is formed from a

plate material of aluminum or the like and formed in a porous structure exemplified by honeycomb structure. The catalyst layer is formed from a catalyst and the surface of the substrate is coated with the catalyst. The catalyst sucks odorous components from the air flowing near the catalyst layer and sucked odorous components are decomposed by being heated. The deodorization filter 23aa has a small air resistance because the deodorization filter 23aa is formed in a porous structure and the filter regeneration portion 23f covers only a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa and does not cover most of the deodorization filter 23 aa. [0034]
The outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac is generally formed in an annular shape and is arranged along the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa. The outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac protects the end face of the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23 aa by covering outer circumferential edges of the deodorization filter 23 aa. The inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae is generally formed in an annular shape and is arranged inside the through hole 23aao of the deodorization filter 23aa to protect the end face of the inner circumferential portion by covering inner circumferential edges of the deodorization filter 23aa. The inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae has a through hole 23 ad formed therein. [0035]
Also, the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac has a first height 23acp protruding in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa formed integrally on both sides in the thickness direction (X direction) of the deodorization filter 23 aa. Also, like the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac, the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae has a second height 23aep protruding in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa formed integrally on both sides in the thickness direction (X direction) of the deodorization filter 23aa. The interval between a heat transfer

plate 23c and the deodorization filter 23aa is properly regulated in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa by the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep. Details of the configuration of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac will be described below. [0036]
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac of the deodorization filter portion 23 a of the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example. The outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac is provided, as shown in FIG. 8, in the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa and includes a front face side cover member 23aca and a rear face side cover member 23acb as a pair of cover members that is combined across the deodorization filter 23aa. The front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are formed from a resin material. [0037]
(Front Face Side Cover Member)
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a portion of the front face side cover member 23aca of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing by enlarging a portion of the front face side cover member 23aca of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 11 is a D-D sectional view in FIG. 10 showing the front face side cover member 23aca of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an engaging height and an opening included in the front face side cover member 23aca of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. [0038]
The front face side cover member 23aca includes, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, an annular portion 33 covering the deodorization filter 23aa along the outer

circumference of the deodorization filter 23aa and a filter holding portion 34 that surrounds and holds the deodorization filter 23aa. Also, the front face side cover member 23aca includes an engaging height 35 as an engaging portion that engages with the rear face side cover member 23acb, an opening 36 formed in the filter holding portion 34 opposite to the engaging height 35, and an outer circumferential wall 37 formed on the outer circumferential side of the annular portion 33. [0039]
In the annular portion 33, the outer circumferential wall 37 is formed by being extended to the outer circumferential side in the radial direction of the annular portion 33. The outer circumferential wall 37 is formed along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 33. In the annular portion 33, a gear portion 38 is formed by extending over the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 33 and the outer circumferential wall 37. The gear portion 38 is formed all along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 33. When the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled, the gear portion 38 is opposed to an outer circumferential wall 47 of the rear face side cover member 23acb and includes a regulation surface 38a in contact with the outer circumferential wall 47. [0040]
The filter holding portion 34 is formed like a rib protruding along the radial direction of the annular portion 33 on an inner circumferential surface 33a of the annular portion 33. The filter holding portion 34 is formed along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 33. The filter holding portion 34 functions also as a rib that reinforces the annular portion 33. [0041]
The engaging height 35 is formed, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, on the inner circumferential surface 33a of the annular portion 33. The engaging height 35 protrudes toward the center side in the radial direction of the annular portion 33. The

engaging height 35 has an engaging surface 35a that is in contact and engaging with an engaging recess 45 of the rear face side cover member 23acb described below formed thereon. The engaging height 35 integrally engages the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb by engaging with the engaging recess 45 of the rear face side cover member 23acb. [0042]
The opening 36 of the front face side cover member 23aca is formed as a through hole in a rectangular shape. The opening 36 passes through the filter holding portion 34 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the deodorization filter 23aa held by the filter holding portion 34. When the opening 36 is viewed from a through direction of the opening 36 as shown in FIG. 12, in other words, when the opening 36 is viewed along the X axis intersecting an opening surface of the opening 36, the engaging surface 35a of the engaging height 35 is positioned inside an opening region of the opening 36. Accordingly, the engaging surface 35a of the engaging height 35 can be formed by a core portion Ja of a molding mold J described below (FIG. 11) by the core portion Ja being passed through the opening 36. [0043]
The molding mold J is, as shown in FIG. 11, a movable side mold having the core portion Ja in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The core portion Ja is arranged so as to correspond to the engaging height 35. The opening 36 and the engaging surface 35a of the engaging height 35 are formed by the core portion Ja. The core portion Ja includes an inclined plane Jb that adds a predetermined draft in a draft direction Gl along the X axis. Thus, an inner surface 36a of the opening 36 has an inclination corresponding to the inclined plane Jb of the core portion Ja, that is, an inclination whose opening area of the opening 36 gradually becomes smaller from the opening 36 toward the engaging height 35. [0044]

The front face side cover member 23aca allows the core portion Ja to be inserted and removed through the opening 36 during formation by including, as described above, the opening 36 in a position opposite to the engaging height 35. Thus, for example, a shape having the filter holding portion 34 and the engaging height 35 can be formed without using a slide core (not shown) moved along the Z axis in FIG. 11, simplifying the structure of the molding mold J. [0045]
(Rear Face Side Cover Member)
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a portion of the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing by enlarging a portion of the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing by enlarging a portion of the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 16 is an E-E sectional view in FIG. 14 showing the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an engaging recess and an opening included in the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. [0046]
The rear face side cover member 23acb includes, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16, an annular portion 43 covering the deodorization filter 23aa along the outer circumference thereof and a filter holding portion 44 that surrounds and holds the deodorization filter 23aa. Also, the rear face side cover member 23acb includes the engaging recess 45 as an engaging portion that engages with the front face side cover member 23aca, an opening 46 formed in the filter holding portion 44 opposite to the engaging recess 45, and an outer circumferential wall 47 formed on the outer

circumferential side of the annular portion 43. [0047]
In the annular portion 43, the outer circumferential wall 47 is formed by being extended to the outer circumferential side in the radial direction of the annular portion
i 43. The outer circumferential wall 47 is formed along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 43. When the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled, the outer circumferential wall 47 is opposed to the gear portion 38 of the front face side cover member 23aca and includes a regulation surface 47a in contact with the regulation surface 38a of the gear portion 38. Also, as
i shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a portion of the annular portion 43 functions as the engaging recess 45 by the portion of the annular portion 43 corresponding to the opening 46 being notched [0048]
The filter holding portion 44 is formed like a rib protruding along the radial
i direction of the annular portion 43 on an inner circumferential surface 43 a of the
annular portion 43. The filter holding portion 44 is formed along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 43. The filter holding portion 44 functions also as a rib that reinforces the annular portion 43. [0049]
i The engaging recess 45 has an inner surface opposite to the opening 46 of the
filter holding portion 44 of the inner surface of a notched portion of the annular portion 43 that becomes an engaging surface 45a engaging with the engaging surface 35a of the engaging height 35 of the front face side cover member 23aca. The engaging recess 45 integrally engages the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb by engaging with the engaging height 35 of the front face side cover member 23 aca. [0050]

The opening 46 of the rear face side cover member 23acb is formed as a through hole in a rectangular shape. The opening 46 passes through the filter holding portion 44 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the deodorization filter 23 aa held by the filter holding portion 44. Also, the opening 46 is formed by notching a portion of the annular portion 43 and also notching a portion of the outer circumferential wall 47. Thus, the opening 46 is formed by extending over the filter holding portion 44, the annular portion 43, and the outer circumferential wall 47. [0051]
When the opening 46 is viewed from the through direction of the opening 46 as shown in FIG. 17, in other words, when the opening 46 is viewed along the X axis intersecting the opening surface of the opening 46, the engaging surface 45a of the engaging recess 45 is positioned inside the opening region of the opening 46. Accordingly, the engaging surface 45a of the engaging recess 45 can be formed by a core portion Ka (FIG. 16) by the core portion Ka of a molding mold K described below being passed through the opening 46. [0052]
The molding mold K is, as shown in FIG. 16, a movable side mold having the core portion Ka in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The core portion Ka is arranged so as to correspond to the engaging surface 45a of the engaging recess 45. The opening 46 and the engaging surface 45a of the engaging recess 45 are formed by the core portion Ka. The core portion Ka includes an inclined plane Kb that adds a predetermined draft in a draft direction G2 along the X axis. Thus, an inner surface 46a of the opening 46 has an inclination corresponding to the inclined plane Kb of the core portion Ka, that is, an inclination whose opening area of the opening 46 gradually becomes smaller from the opening 46 toward the engaging recess 45. [0053]
The rear face side cover member 23acb allows the core portion Ka to be

inserted and removed through the opening 46 during formation by including, as described above, the opening 46 in a position opposite to the engaging recess 45. Thus, for example, a shape having the filter holding portion 44 and the engaging recess 45 can be formed without using a slide core (not shown) moved along the Z axis in FIG. 16, simplifying the structure of the molding mold K. [0054]
(Engagement State of Front Face Side Cover Member and Rear Face Side Cover Member)
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example are assembled. FIG. 19 is an F-F sectional view in FIG. 18 showing a state in which the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example are combined. [0055]
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the gear portion 38 is arranged between the outer circumferential wall 37 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the outer circumferential wall 47 of the rear face side cover member 23acb while the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, both sides of the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa are put and held between the filter holding portion 34 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the filter holding portion 44 of the rear face side cover member 23acb by assembling the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb. [0056]
The engaging height 35 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the engaging recess 45 of the rear face side cover member 23acb are engaged with each

other when the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled. With the engaging surface 35a of the engaging height 35 and the engaging surface 45a of the engaging recess 45 in contact while the engaging height 35 and the engaging recess 45 are engaged, the movement of the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb is regulated in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa, that is, in the direction moving away from the direction along the X axis. Also, while the engaging height 35 and the engaging recess 45 are engaged, the engaging surface 35a of the engaging height 35 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the engaging surface 45a of the engaging recess 45 of the rear face side cover member 23acb move in the direction in which the filter holding portion 34 and the filter holding portion 44 move closer to each other when moved in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa, that is, in the direction moving away from the direction along the X axis. However, the filter holding portion 34 and the filter holding portion 44 have the deodorization filter 23aa put therebetween and thus, the filter holding portion 34 and the filter holding portion 44 cannot move closer to each other and, as a result, the engagement state of the engaging height 35 and the engaging recess 45 is maintained in a good condition. Also, with the regulation surface 38a of the front face side cover member 23aca and the regulation surface 47a of the rear face side cover member 23acb in contact, the movement of the engaging surface 35a and the engaging surface 45a is regulated in the direction moving away from the direction along the X axis. Also in this case, the engagement state of the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb is maintained in a good condition. [0057]
Also, as shown in FIG. 19, when the engagement state of the engaging height 35 and the engaging recess 45 is disengaged after the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled, the opening 46 of the

rear face side cover member 23acb functions as an insertion port to insert tools and the
like.
[0058]
Also, the opening 36 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the opening 46 of the rear face side cover member 23acb are opposed across the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23 aa while the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled and each opening is adjacent to the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa. Thus, for example, the air having flown through the opening 36 flows out from the opening 46 after passing through the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa and removal performance of odorous components is enhanced by increasing the flow rate of air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa. Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the front face side cover member 23aca is arranged upstream in the flow direction of air with respect to the deodorization filter 23aa and the rear face side cover member 23acb is arranged downstream and the rear face side cover member 23acb may be arranged upstream and the front face side cover member 23aca may be arranged downstream. [0059]
A modification of the shape of the opening 36 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the opening 46 of the rear face side cover member 23acb will be described. In the modification, the same reference signs are attached to the same members or portions as those in the first example described above and a description thereof is omitted. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a modification of the opening 36 included in the front face side cover member 23aca of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a modification of the opening 46 included in the rear face side cover member 23acb of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac in the first example.

[0060]
As shown in FIG. 20, a portion of the opening 36 included in the front face side cover member 23aca is notched so as to be contiguous to an inner circumferential edge 34a in the radial direction of the annular portion 33 (the radial direction of the deodorization filter 23aa) of the filter holding portion 34. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 21, a portion of the opening 46 included in the rear face side cover member 23acb is notched so as to be contiguous to an inner circumferential edge 44a in the radial direction of the annular portion 43 (the radial direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa) of the filter holding portion 44. [0061]
With the openings 36, 46 whose portion is notched so as to be contiguous to the inner circumferential edges 34a, 44a as described above, the flow rate of the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa is increased so that removal performance of odorous components of the deodorization filter 23aa is further enhanced. The shape in which a portion of the openings 36, 46 is notched is appropriately set so that mechanical strength of the filter holding portions 34, 44 is properly ensured. [0062]
[Configuration of Filter Regeneration Portion]
FIG. 22 is a C-C sectional view in FIG. 6 showing the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example. The filter regeneration portion 23f includes, as shown in FIG. 22, a case 23e, the heat transfer plate 23c, and the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater 23b. The case 23e is formed like a box in a substantially triangular shape. The case 23e covers a portion in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23 a. The case 23 e includes a front face side case member 23ea and a rear face side case member 23eb combined as a pair. The front face side case member 23ea forms a front face side portion of the case 23 e. The rear face side case member 23 eb forms a rear face side

portion of the case 23e. A space is formed inside the case 23e constructed of the front face side case member 23ea and the rear face side case member 23eb. This space becomes, for example, as will be described below, a heating space portion SI in which the PTC heater 23b is arranged. [0063]
The heat transfer plate 23 c includes a pair of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb as a pair of the first plate and the second plate arranged opposite to each other. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca as the first plate is supported by the inside of the case 23e. The front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca is opposed to a portion in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The deodorization filter portion 23a has a portion thereof covered with the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca from the front face side. Similarly, the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb as the second plate is supported by the inside of the case 23e. The rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is opposed to a portion positioned inside the case 23e in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The deodorization filter portion 23a has a portion thereof covered with the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb from the rear face side. [0064]
The PTC heater 23b produces heat by being energized and has a property of an increasing resistance with a rising temperature to self-control the calorific value using the property. The PTC heater 23b is formed like a rectangular parallelepiped and provided inside the case 23e. The PTC heater 23b is arranged on the outer circumferential side of the deodorization filter portion 23a and supported by being sandwiched between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. The PTC heater 23b is hit against the positioning protrusion 23cf (FIG. 23) of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb described below. Also, the movement in the Z direction of the PTC heater 23b by the PTC heater 23b being hit

against a support portion formed on the rear face side case member 23eb. [0065]
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization unit according to the first example. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb are formed from, for example, an aluminum material or a material such as an aluminum alloy material having good thermal conductivity. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is arranged, as shown in FIG. 23, on the front face side of the deodorization filter portion 23 a. The outer shape of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is formed in a substantially triangular shape in which the width dimension in a left and right direction (the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23 a) increases from the through hole 23 ad of the deodorization filter portion 23 a to the outer circumferential side of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca includes a filter opposite surface 23caa and a cover opposite surface 23cab. The filter opposite surface 23caa is one surface of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the cover opposite surface 23cab is the other surface of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca. A through hole 23cag corresponding to the through hole 23 ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a is formed in an inner circumferential side end portion of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca. A shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb described below is inserted into the through hole 23cag. [0066]
The rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is arranged opposite to the rear face side of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The outer shape of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is formed in a substantially triangular shape in which the width dimension in a left and right direction (the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23 a) increases from the through hole 23 ad of the deodorization filter
.„L* ._ r\^t _ . ,1 _ . „ • r> ,• _1 • _1 _ ,1 r> rr^i _ „ r> • i _ 1 . , _ r>_ „

plate 23 cb includes a filter opposite surface 23cba and a cover opposite surface 23ebb. The filter opposite surface 23cba is one surface of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb and the cover opposite surface 23 ebb is the other surface of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. [0067]
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is provided with the positioning protrusion 23cf that positions the PTC heater 23b and the position of the PTC heater 23b is regulated for one side (the inner circumferential side of the deodorization filter portion 23a) in the Z direction by the positioning protrusion 23 cf being hit against the outer circumferential surface of the PTC heater 23b. Similarly to the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb, the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is also provided with a positioning protrusion 23 eg that positions the PTC heater 23b (see FIG. 22). A through hole 23cbg into which the shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb described below is inserted is formed in an inner circumferential side end portion of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. [0068]
The PTC heater 23b is supported by being sandwiched between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb in a side edge portion on the outer circumferential side of the deodorization filter portion 23 a of the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is arranged in such a way that the filter opposite surface 23caa is opposed to the deodorization filter portion 23a. The rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is arranged in such a way that the filter opposite surface 23cba is opposed to the deodorization filter portion 23a. Incidentally, heat-conducting grease or the like may be applied to between the PTC heater 23b, and the front face side heat

transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb to enhance thermal
conductivity.
[0069]
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the front face side case member 23ea of the filter regeneration portion 23f in the first example from inside. In other words, FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the front face side of the internal space (front face side internal space) of the case 23e. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the rear face side case member 23eb of the filter regeneration portion 23f in the first example from inside. In other words, FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the rear face side of the internal space (rear face side internal space) of the case 23 e. [0070]
For convenience of description, the rear face side case member 23eb will first be described. The rear face side case member 23eb is formed from a synthetic resin material. The outer shape of the rear face side case member 23eb is formed, as shown in FIG. 23, a size larger than that of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. Inside the rear face side case member 23eb, as shown in FIG. 25, a heating space portion 23ed as a heating space to heat the deodorization filter portion 23a is formed. The rear face side case member 23eb includes a heating space portion Sib (corresponding to rear face side of the heating space portion SI) on the inner side thereof. For example, the PTC heater 23b and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb are arranged in the heating space portion Sib. The heating space portion Sib functions as a space to heat the deodorization filter 23aa. [0071]
The rear face side case member 23eb is formed like a bottomed box in which the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is housed and includes a bottom 23eda and a first side portion 23edb, a second side portion 23edc, a third side portion 23edd, and a fourth side portion 23ede as outer circumferential walls formed along the outer

circumference of the rear face side case member 23eb. The bottom 23eda is formed in a substantially triangular plate shape. The first side portion 23edb, the second side portion 23edc, the third side portion 23edd, and the fourth side portion 23ede are each formed by rising from the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eda. The first side portion 23edb is formed in a portion of the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eda arranged on the through hole 23 ad side of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The fourth side portion 23ede is formed in a portion of the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eda arranged on the outer circumferential side of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The second side portion 23edc and the third side portion 23edd are formed in portions on both sides in the Y direction of the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eda. The space surrounded by the bottom 23eda and the first side portion 23edb, the second side portion 23edc, the third side portion 23edd, and the fourth side portion 23ede becomes a rear face side internal space. [0072]
As shown in FIG. 25, the inner circumferential wall 23pb is formed along the outer circumference of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb at the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23eb. The inner circumferential wall 23pb is formed at predetermined spacings from the first side portion 23edb, the second side portion 23edc, and the third side portion 23edd and both ends of the inner circumferential wall 23pb are connected to the fourth side portion 23ede. The shank 23xa that rotatably supports the deodorization filter portion 23a by being inserted into the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a is formed at the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23eb. The shank 23xa includes a through hole 23xaa into which a screw 23t or the like as a tightening member is screwed. In addition, a boss 23xb having a through hole 23xba into which the screw 23t or the like as a tightening member that integrally fixes the front face side case member 23ea and the rear face side case member 23eb is screwed is formed on both sides in the Y direction of the bottom 23eda of the

rear face side case member 23eb. [0073]
Two first support portions 23 si are formed at the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23eb. The first support portion 23sl supports each of an outer circumferential portion 23cbh of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb, the PTC heater 23b overlaid on the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb, and an outer circumferential portion 23cah of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca. Also, second support portions 23 s2 that support the outer circumferential portion 23cbh of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb are each formed at the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23eb. [0074]
The first support portions 23si are each arranged on both sides in the Y direction of the rear face side case member 23eb and arranged near the boss 23xb, for example, next to the boss 23xb. The first support portion 23sl includes the first rib 23 sa that regulates the movement of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb, the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca, and the PTC heater 23b in the Z direction in a ZY plane of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb (front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca) and a second rib 23 sb that regulates the movement of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb, the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca, and the PTC heater 23b in the Y direction in the ZY plane of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb (front face side heat transfer plate 23ca). [0075]
The first rib 23sa is formed by protruding from the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23 eb and supports the outer circumferential portion 23cbh of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb while a space is provided between the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb and the inner surface of the rear face side case member 23eb. The first rib 23sa is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the boss

23xb. The first rib 23 sa includes a support surface 23saa that supports the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb in the X direction and a regulation surface 23 sab that regulates the movement in the Z direction of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb, the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca, and the PTC heater 23b. The support surface 23saa is provided, as shown in FIG. 26, in the position of a height M from the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23 eb. The height M indicates a length M along the X axis. The regulation surface 23sab has a height L relative to the support surface 23saa. The height L indicates a length L along the X axis. The second rib 23sb is formed by protruding from the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23eb and extending over the inner circumferential wall 23pb and the second side portion 23edc or the inner circumferential wall 23pb and the third side portion 23edd to reinforce mechanical strength of the inner circumferential wall 23pb. The second rib 23 sb includes a support surface 23sba that supports the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb in the X direction and a regulation surface 23sbb that regulates the movement in the Y direction of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb, the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca, and the PTC heater 23b. The support surface 23sba is provided in the position of the height M from the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23eb. The height M indicates a length M along the X axis. The regulation surface 23sbb has the height L relative to the support surface 23sba. The height L indicates a length L along the X axis. [0076]
The second support portion 23s2 is arranged on one end side in the Z direction of the rear face side case member 23 eb (the through hole 23 ad side of the deodorization filter portion 23a) next to the shank 23xa. The second support portion 23 s2 includes a third rib 23 sc that regulates the movement of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb in the Z direction in the ZY plane of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb (front face side heat transfer plate 23ca) and a fourth rib 23 sd that regulates the movement of

the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb in the Y direction in the ZY plane of the rear
face side heat transfer plate 23cb (front face side heat transfer plate 23ca).
[0077]
The third rib 23 sc includes a support surface 23 sea that supports the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb in the X direction and the regulation surface 23scb that regulates the movement of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb in the Z direction. The fourth rib 23 sd includes a support surface 23sda that supports the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb in the X direction and a regulation surface 23sdb that regulates the movement of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb in the Y direction. The third rib 23 sc and the fourth rib 23 sd are formed by protruding from the bottom 23eda of the rear face side case member 23eb and support the outer circumferential portion 23cbh of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb while a space is provided between the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb and the inner surface of the rear face side case member 23eb. The third rib 23sc and the fourth rib 23sd are formed by extending over the inner circumferential wall 23pb and the first side portion 23edb to reinforce mechanical strength of the inner circumferential wall 23pb. [0078]
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, like the rear face side case member 23eb, the front face side case member 23ea is formed from a synthetic resin material. The front face side case member 23ea is formed a size larger than the outer shape of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca. Inside the front face side case member 23ea, a heating space portion 23ec as a heating space to heat the deodorization filter portion 23a is formed. The front face side case member 23ea is formed like a bottomed box in which the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is housed and includes the bottom 23eca and the first side portion 23ecb, the second side portion 23ecc, the third side portion 23ecd, and the fourth side portion 23ece as outer circumferential walls formed along the outer circumference of the front face side case member 23ea. The bottom 23eca is formed in

a substantially triangular plate shape. The first side portion 23ecb, the second side portion 23ecc, the third side portion 23ecd, and the fourth side portion 23ece are each formed by rising from the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eca. The first side portion 23ecb is formed in a portion of the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eca arranged on the through hole 23ad side of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The fourth side portion 23ece is formed in a portion of the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eca arranged on the outer circumferential side of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The second side portion 23ecc and the third side portion 23ecd are formed in portions on both sides in the Y direction of the outer circumferential portion of the bottom 23eca. The space surrounded by the bottom 23eca and the first side portion 23ecb, the second side portion 23ecc, the third side portion 23ecd, and the fourth side portion 23ece becomes a front face side internal space. [0079]
As shown in FIG. 24, the inner circumferential wall 23pa is formed along the outer circumference of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca at the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23ea. The inner circumferential wall 23pa is formed at predetermined spacings from the first side portion 23ecb, the second side portion 23ecc, and the third side portion 23ecd and both ends of the inner circumferential wall 23pa are connected to the fourth side portion 23ece. At the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23 ea, the axle seat portion 23xc against which the tip of the shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb is hit is formed. The axle seat portion 23xc includes a through hole 23xca into which the screw 23t is screwed. Also, a boss seat portion 23xd against which the tip of the boss 23xb of the rear face side case member is hit is formed in a position adjacent to the fourth side portion 23ece on both sides in the Y direction of the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23 ea. The boss seat portion 23xd includes a through hole 23xda into which the screw 23t is screwed.

[0080]
Also, a first rib 23se and a second rib 23sf are formed next to the boss seat portion 23xd at the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23ea. The first rib 23 se and the second rib 23 sf hit against the first rib 23 sa and the second rib 23 sb of the first support portion 23 si of the rear face side case member 23eb, respectively. Also, the first rib 23se and the second rib 23sf of the front face side case member 23ea regulate the movement in the X direction of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca, the PTC heater 23b, and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb by being in contact with the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca. The first rib 23 se and the second rib 23 sf are formed by protruding from the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23 ea and support the outer circumferential portion 23cah of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca while a space is provided between the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the inner surface of the front face side case member 23 ea. [0081]
A support portion 23s3 that supports the outer circumferential portion 23cah of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is formed at the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23ea. The support portion 23s3 is arranged on one end side in the Z direction of the front face side case member 23ea (the through hole 23ad side of the deodorization filter portion 23a) next to the axle seat portion 23xc. The support portion 23 s3 includes a third rib 23 sg that regulates the movement of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca in the Z direction in the ZY in-plane direction of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and a fourth rib 23 sh that regulates the movement of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca in the Y direction in the ZY in-plane direction of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca. [0082]
The third rib 23 sg includes a support surface 23sga that supports the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca in the X direction and a regulation surface 23sgb that

regulates the movement of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca in the Z direction in the ZY in-plane direction. The fourth rib 23sh includes a support surface 23sha that supports the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca in the X direction and a regulation surface 23shb that regulates the movement of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca in the Y direction in the ZY in-plane direction. The third rib 23 sg and the fourth rib 23 sh are formed by protruding from the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23 ea and support the outer circumferential portion 23cah of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca while a space (air layer) is provided between the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the inner surface of the front face side case member 23 ea. The third rib 23 sg and the fourth rib 23 sh are formed by extending over the inner circumferential wall 23pa and the first side portion 23ecb to reinforce mechanical strength of the inner circumferential wall 23pa. [0083]
The case 23e in which the PTC heater 23b, the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca, the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb, and a portion of the deodorization filter portion 23a are housed is constructed by the front face side case member 23ea and the rear face side case member 23eb being combined. The deodorization filter portion 23a is rotatably supported by the shank 23xa by the shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb being inserted into the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a. Also, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the shank 23xa is inserted into a shaft member 23xe in a cylindrical shape as a regulation member described below to support the deodorization filter portion 23a via the shaft member 23xe inserted into the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The shaft member 23xe is formed from, for example, a metallic material having thermal conductivity such as stainless or the like. [0084]
The deodorization unit 23 assembled as described above is has, as shown in

FIG. 6, the filter regeneration portion 23f housed in a regeneration portion housing portion 23ge of the holding portion 23g. The deodorization filter portion 23a has the gear portion 38 of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac engaged with the drive gear 23j and is rotated by the drive unit 23h. Further, the deodorization filter portion 23 a has the gear portion 38 of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac engaged with the rotation detection gear 23k and the rotation thereof is detected by the rotation detector 23r. [0085]
The configuration to be features of the first example in the filter regeneration portion 23f configured as described above will be described. FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the filter regeneration portion 23f in the first example as a partial section. FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing by enlarging the first height 23acp of the deodorization filter portion 23a in the first example. FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing by enlarging the second height 23aep of the deodorization filter portion 23a in the first example. FIG. 29 is a sectional perspective view showing the through hole 23 ad of the heat transfer plate 23 c and the shaft member 23xe in the first example. [0086]
As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the first height 23acp of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac is arranged opposite to each of the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. For example, the first height 23acp is a side face of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac and is arranged on an opposite surface 23acas of the filter opposite surface 23caa. The first height 23acp is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac. Like the first height 23acp, the second height 23aep of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae is arranged, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, opposite to each of the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face

side heat transfer plate 23ca and the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. For example, the second height 23aep is a side face of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae and is arranged on an opposite surface 23acbs of the filter opposite surface 23cba. The second height 23aep is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae. [0087]
The first height 23acp of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac and the second height 23aep of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23 ae function as position regulation means for regulating the interval between the deodorization filter 23aa and the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the interval between the deodorization filter 23aa and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. That is, the deodorization filter 23aa is prevented from coming into contact with each of the filter opposite surfaces 23caa, 23cba by the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep being brought into contact with the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb during rotation of the deodorization filter 23aa or the like. [0088]
Also, the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep are formed such that the width of tips thereof is smaller than the thickness of the base end (root) side. For example, the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep have a tip formed in a cross-sectional arc shape (see FIG. 30) and rotational resistance of the deodorization filter portion 23a is suppressed by point contact of the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep with each of the filter opposite surfaces 23caa, 23cba. [0089]
The shaft member 23xe in a cylindrical shape is arranged, as shown in FIG. 28,

in the outer circumferential portion of the shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb and put between the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. That is, as shown in FIG. 29, both ends of the shaft member 23xe are each hit against the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. Thus, the shaft member 23xe functions as a regulation member that regulates the interval between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. Therefore, the interval between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the one end side (the inner circumferential side of the deodorization filter 23 aa) of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is regulated so as to be constant by the shaft member 23xe and the interval between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the other end side (the outer circumferential side of the deodorization filter 23 aa) of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is regulated so as to be constant by the PTC heater 23b. Consequently, the PTC heater 23b functions, like the shaft member 23xe, as the regulation member described above. [0090]
In addition, the shaft member 23xe can enable mutual thermal conduction between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb by having thermal conductivity so that the temperature of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and that of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb are made uniform. Thus, by enabling thermal conduction from the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb to the shaft member 23xe and also allowing the air layer as a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the shaft member 23xe and the outer circumferential surface of the shank 23xa to act as an insulating layer, heat is inhibited from escaping from the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb to the front face side case

member 23ea and the rear face side case member 23eb and so the PTC heater 23b can efficiently heat the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. [0091]
Further, the shaft member 23xe rotatably supports the through hole 23 ad of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23 ae of the deodorization filter portion 23 a by the outer circumferential surface thereof and the inner circumferential surface thereof is supported by the shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb. The shank 23xa made of resin supports the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23 ae made of resin via the shaft member 23xe made of metal. By adopting different types of material as sliding members (the shank 23xa and the shaft member 23xe) in this manner, compared with a case in which sliding members are made of the same type of material, friction and abrasion characteristics are improved and the rotational resistance of the deodorization filter portion 23a is made smaller so that abrasion caused in the shank 23xa and the through hole 23ad is inhibited. Accordingly, a smooth rotation operation of the deodorization filter portion 23a is implemented and noise during rotation of the deodorization filter portion 23a is inhibited. [0092]
FIGS. 30 and 31 are schematic views illustrating the amount of protrusion of the first height 23acp in the first example. If, as shown in FIG. 30, the length between the tip of the first height 23acp on the filter opposite surface 23caa side and the tip of the first height 23acp on the filter opposite surface 23cba side in the thickness direction (X direction) of the deodorization filter 23aa is T and the interval between the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is D, the first height 23acp is formed with a desired amount of protrusion such that D > T is satisfied. The amount of protrusion of the first height 23acp is set to, for example, about 0.3 mm.

Accordingly, the contact between the first height 23acp, and the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb during rotation of the deodorization filter portion 23a or the like is prevented. Though not shown, the amount of protrusion of the second height 23aep is also formed like that of the first height 23acp to prevent the contact between the second height 23aep, and the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. [0093]
Also in the first example described above, the first height 23acp is formed on both sides of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac of the deodorization filter portion 23a, but as shown in FIG. 31, first heights 23cap, 23cbp that regulate the position in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa may be formed on the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the filter opposite surface 23cba of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. In this case, the first height 23 cap of the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the first height 23cbp of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb are provided in positions opposed to the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac and formed in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. [0094]
Also in the heat transfer plate 23c, as shown in FIG. 31, if the interval between the tip of the first height 23 cap and the tip of the first height 23cbp in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa is Dl and the thickness of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac is Tl, the first heights 23cap, 23cbp are formed with a desired amount of protrusion such that Dl > Tl is satisfied. Accordingly, the contact between the first heights 23cap, 23cbp and the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac during rotation of the deodorization filter portion 23 a or the like is prevented. Like the first heights 23cap, 23cbp, second heights (not shown) in opposite positions on both sides of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae may be

provided on the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. Also in this case, the amount of protrusion of the second height of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is formed like that of the first heights 23cap, 23cbp to prevent the contact between the
) second height and the deodorization filter portion 23a. [0095]
Also in the first example described above, the position of the deodorization filter 23aa with respect to the heat transfer plate 23c in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa is regulated by the first height 23acp and the second height
) 23aep of the deodorization filter portion 23 a and the first heights 23 cap, 23cbp and the second height of the heat transfer plate 23c, but the position of the deodorization filter 23aa may also be regulated by the case 23e. FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating the deodorization filter portion according to a modification. [0096]
) As shown in FIG. 32, a first height 23eap and a second height 23eas are formed
on both sides in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) of the deodorization filter portion 23a on the front face side case member 23ea of the case 23e of the filter regeneration portion 23f. The first height 23eap is provided in a position opposed to the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac of the deodorization filter portion 23 a
) and has a protrusion (not shown) in contact with the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac. The second height 23eas is provided in a position opposed to the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23 ae of the deodorization filter portion 23 a and has a protrusion (not shown) in contact with the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae. The first height 23eap and the second height 23eas are preferably formed from metallic
) materials whose coefficient of friction is different from that of resin materials.
Accordingly, slidability between the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac and the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae, and the first height 23eap and the

second height 23eas can be secured. The amounts of protrusion of the first height 23eap and the second height 23eas are formed like those of the first heights 23 cap, 23cbp of the heat transfer plate 23c described above to prevent the contact between the heat transfer plate 23 c and the deodorization filter 23aa. Though not shown, like the first height 23eap and the second height 23eas of the front face side case member 23ea, a first height and a second height are each formed on the rear face side case member 23 eb. [0097]
[Operation of Air Cleaner]
The air cleaner 1 starts to operate by the operating unit 15 being operated by a user. When the operation of the air cleaner 1 is started, the air blower 25 is driven and also the first electric dust collector 22a and the second electric dust collector 22b of the dust collecting unit 22 are energized so that the humidification filter 24a of the humidification unit 24 starts to rotate. In the air cleaner 1, the air blower 25 is driven to suck the air into the body cabinet 11 from the upper surface suction opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13 c, and the undersurface suction opening 13d. [0098]
The air sucked into the body cabinet 11 flows from the upper surface suction opening 13 a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the undersurface suction opening 13d through the air duct 10 toward the upper surface outlet 14a, the right-side face outlet 14b, and the left-side face outlet 14c. Dust is first collected by the pre-filter 21 from the air flowing through the air duct 10. Fine dust, pollen and the like not having been collected by the pre-filter 21 are collected by the dust collecting unit 22 from the air from which dust has been collected by the pre-filter 21. A portion of the air from which dust has been collected by the dust collecting unit 22 is supplied to the deodorization unit 23 and the rest is supplied to the

humidification unit 24. [0099]
The air supplied to the deodorization unit 23 is supplied to a ventilation surface not covered with the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization filter 23aa via the opening 23gd of the holding portion 23g. Odorous components of the air supplied to the ventilation surface of the deodorization filter 23 aa are removed by passing through the deodorization filter 23aa for deodorization. At this point, the deodorization filter 23aa of the deodorization unit 23 is prevented from being clogged with dust, pollen or the like because dust, pollen and the like have been removed from the air supplied to the deodorization unit 23 by the pre-filter 21 and the dust collecting unit 22. [0100]
A portion of the air deodorized by the deodorization unit 23 is supplied to the humidification unit 24 and the rest is supplied to the air blower 25. The air supplied to the humidification unit 24 is humidified by the humidification unit 24. The air humidified by the humidification unit 24 is supplied to the air blower 25. The air supplied to the air blower 25 is blown out from the upper surface outlet 14a, the right-side face outlet 14b, and the left-side face outlet 14c to the outside of the air cleaner 1. [0101]
For example, the air cleaner 1 rotates the deodorization filter portion 23a by a predetermined rotation angle in every predetermined time by continuously energizing the PTC heater 23b and also driving the drive unit 23h. The predetermined time is a processing time needed to regenerate the deodorizing capacity of the deodorization filter portion 23a and, for example, 1.5 hours are illustrated. As the predetermined rotation angle, about 36 degrees are illustrated. The air cleaner 1 regenerates the deodorizing capacity of a portion covered with the filter regeneration portion 23f in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa by rotating the deodorization

filter portion 23a. That is, the air cleaner 1 deodorizes the air passing through a portion not covered with the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization filter 23 aa while regenerating the deodorizing capacity of the position covered with the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization filter 23aa. [0102]
As described above, the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep as position regulation means to regulate the interval between the deodorization filter 23aa and the heat transfer plate 23 c in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa are provided on the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac and the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23 ae of the filter regeneration portion 23f included in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example. The interval between the deodorization filter 23aa and the heat transfer plate 23c can properly be regulated by a simple configuration of the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep without assembling any regulation member such as a bobbin as an independent component to the case 23e. Therefore, the efficiency of regenerating the deodorization filter 23aa can be enhanced and also damage of the deodorization filter 23aa can be prevented by making the interval between the deodorization filter 23aa and the heat transfer plate 23 c to raise the heating temperature of the deodorization filter 23aa. [0103]
The present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the deodorization filter portion 23a includes the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep and the heat transfer plate 23c may include the first height and the second height or the case 23e may include the first height and the second height. A similar effect is obtained in all cases. Also, each of the deodorization filter portion 23a, the heat transfer plate 23c, and the case 23e may include the first height and the second height and in that case, the precision with which the position of the deodorization filter 23aa in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa between the front face side heat

transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb is regulated and reliability of a regulated state can be enhanced. Therefore, for example, even if the deodorization filter 23aa is warped, the deodorization filter 23aa and heat transfer plate 23c can be prevented from coming into contact. [0104]
Incidentally, the first height 23acp is provided at a location on each of both sides of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac (at a location in the radial direction of the deodorization filter 23aa), but may also be provided at a plurality of locations in the radial direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa so that reliability of the regulated state of position of the deodorization filter 23 aa in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa can be enhanced. Similarly, the second height 23aep is provided at a location on each of both sides of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23 ae (at a location in the radial direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa), but may also be provided at a plurality of locations in the radial direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa. [0105]
If an opposite interval between the front face side heat transfer plate 23 ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa is D and the thickness between tips of the first heights 23acp on both sides of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac (the thickness between tips of the second heights 23aep on both sides of the inner circumferential portion filter cover 23ae) is T, the first height 23acp (the second height 23aep) of the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example satisfies D > T. Accordingly, the position of the deodorization filter 23aa is regulated by the first height 23acp (the second height 23aep) and also the contact of the deodorization filter 23aa and the heat transfer plate 23c can be inhibited and therefore, rotational resistance of the deodorization filter 23aa can be prevented.

[0106]
Also, the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep included in the deodorization filter portion 23a of the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example are formed such that the width of tips thereof is smaller than the thickness of the base end side. Accordingly, the contact area with the heat transfer plate 23c can be made smaller without weakening mechanical strength of the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep. Accordingly, rotational resistance of the deodorization filter 23aa when the first height 23acp or the second height 23aep comes into contact with the heat transfer plate 23 c can be made smaller. [0107]
The filter regeneration portion 23f in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example includes the shaft member 23xe arranged by being put between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb as a regulation member of a position regulation means. Accordingly, the gap between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb can be regulated by the shaft member 23xe so that the gap between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb can be secured in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23 aa. Accordingly, the interval between the deodorization filter 23aa and the heat transfer plate 23c can properly be regulated. Alsop in the first example, the PTC heater 23b functions, like the shaft member 23xe, as a regulation member. [0108]
The shaft member 23xe in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example is formed from a material having thermal conductivity. Accordingly, thermal conduction between the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb can be enabled via the shaft member 23xe and the temperature distribution of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat

transfer plate 23cb can be made uniform by efficiently heating the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23 cb by the PTC heater 23b. As a result, the efficiency of heating the deodorization filter 23aa by the heat transfer plate 23c can be increased. [0109]
The filter regeneration portion 23f in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example has the shaft member 23xe in a cylindrical shape provided in the outer circumferential portion of the shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23 eb. Accordingly, the air layer as a gap between the shaft member 23xe and the shank 23xa can be used for insulation and heat can be inhibited from escaping from the heat transfer plate 23c to the case 23e. [0110]
As described above, the deodorization filter portion 23a included in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example includes the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac including a pair of the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb provided in the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa in a plate shape and assembled across the deodorization filter 23aa. The front face side cover member 23aca includes the filter holding portion 34, the engaging height 35, and the opening 36 formed in the filter holding portion 34 opposite to the engaging height 35. The rear face side cover member 23acb includes the filter holding portion 44, the engaging recess 45, and the opening 46 formed in the filter holding portion 44 opposite to the engaging recess 45. Accordingly, when the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are formed, a core portion of a molding mold can pass through the opening 36 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the core portions Ja, Ka of the molding molds J, K can pass through the opening 46 of the rear face side cover member 23acb. Thus, the front face side cover member 23aca in which the filter holding portion 34 and the

engaging height 35 form an undercut shape and the rear face side cover member 23acb in which the filter holding portion 44 and the engaging recess 45 form an undercut shape can be molded without using a slide core. As a result, the molding molds J, K can be simplified and manufacturing costs of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac can be reduced. [0111]
The engaging height 35 of the front face side cover member 23aca included in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example is positioned inside an opening region of the opening 36 when the opening 36 is viewed from the through direction of the opening 36. Also, the engaging recess 45 of the rear face side cover member 23acb is positioned inside an opening region of the opening 46 when the opening 46 is viewed from the through direction of the opening 46. Accordingly, the engaging surface 35a of the engaging height 35 and the engaging surface 45a of the engaging recess 45 can easily be formed by the core portions Ja, Ka of the molding molds J. K passing through the openings 36, 46. [0112]
The inner surface 36a of the opening 36 of the front face side cover member 23aca included in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example has an inclination whose opening area of the opening 36 gradually becomes smaller from the opening 36 toward the engaging height 35. Also, the inner surface 46a of the opening 46 of the rear face side cover member 23acb has an inclination whose opening area of the opening 46 gradually becomes smaller from the opening 46 toward the engaging recess 45. Accordingly, the openings 36, 46 can properly be formed by the core portions Ja, Ka of the molding molds J, K. [0113]
The opening 36 of the front face side cover member 23aca and the opening 46 of the rear face side cover member 23acb included in the deodorization unit 23

according to the first example are opposed across the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa. Accordingly, the air flowing in from one of the opening 36 and the opening 46 of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac can flow out from the other after passing through the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23 aa. Thus, the flow rate of the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa can be increased and removal performance of odorous components of the deodorization filter 23 aa can be enhanced. [0114]
A portion of the opening 36 of the front face side cover member 23aca included in the in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example is notched so as to be contiguous to the inner circumferential edge 34a in the radial direction of the annular portion 33 of the filter holding portion 34. Also, a portion of the opening 46 of the rear face side cover member 23acb is notched so as to be contiguous to the inner circumferential edge 44a in the radial direction of the annular portion 43 of the filter holding portion 44. Accordingly, the amount of air flowing into the deodorization filter 23aa by passing through the openings 36, 46 can be increased by making the opening area of the openings 36, 46 larger and removal performance of odorous components of the deodorization filter 23 aa can further be enhanced. [0115]
The engaging height 35 of the front face side cover member 23aca included in the in the deodorization unit 23 according to the first example includes the engaging surface 35a in contact with the engaging recess 45 when the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled. Also, the engaging recess 45 of the rear face side cover member 23acb includes the engaging surface 45a in contact with the engaging height 35 when the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb are assembled. When the engaging surface 35a and the engaging surface 45a move in directions moving away

from each other, the filter holding portion 34 and the filter holding portion 44 move in directions coming closer to each other. However, the filter holding portion 34 and the filter holding portion 44 have the deodorization filter 23aa put therebetween and thus, the filter holding portion 34 and the filter holding portion 44 cannot move closer to each other and, as a result, the engagement state of the engaging height 35 and the engaging recess 45 is maintained in a good condition. Also, the annular portion 33 of the front face side cover member 23aca has the regulation surface 38a that comes into contact with the rear face side cover member 23acb when the engaging surface 35a and the engaging surface 45a move in directions moving away from each other formed thereon. Also, the annular portion 43 of the rear face side cover member 23acb has the regulation surface 47a that comes into contact with the front face side cover member 23aca when the engaging surface 35a and the engaging surface 45a move in directions moving away from each other formed thereon. The engagement state of the engaging height 35 and the engaging recess 45 is also thereby maintained in a good condition and thus, reliability of an assembled state of the front face side cover member 23aca and the rear face side cover member 23acb can be improved. [0116]
Suction units according to second to fifth examples are obtained by replacing the deodorization filter portion 23a of a suction unit according to the first example with other deodorization filter portions and components other than the deodorization filter portion 23a of suction units according to the second to fifth examples are configured in the same manner as those of the suction unit according to the first example. [0117]
FIG. 33 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion 23 a of the suction unit according to the second example. FIG. 34 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion 23a of the suction unit according to the second example. The outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac includes a cylindrical portion

covering a filter end face 431 of the deodorization filter 23 aa and a pair of filter flange portions (a first filter flange portion 451 and a second filter flange portion 461) sandwiching the deodorization filter 23aa from forward and backward directions along a ventilation direction. The deodorization filter 23aa is formed in a disk shape and the filter end face 431 of the deodorization filter 23 aa is arranged so as to be opposed to an inner circumferential surface 362 of the cylindrical portion of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac. [0118]
The position of the filter end face 431 of the deodorization filter 23 aa and the position of the inner circumferential surface 362 of the cylindrical portion in the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac are indicated by a dotted line in FIGS. 33 and 34. The outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac has, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, filter flange portions (the first filter flange portion 451 and the second filter flange portion 461) protruding from the cylindrical portion of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23 ac to the inner circumferential side of the deodorization filter 23 aa. The pair of filter flange portions (the first filter flange portion 451 and the second filter flange portion 461) sandwiching the deodorization filter 23aa from forward and backward directions along the ventilation direction is formed in an annular shape along the cylindrical portion and also the length of width of the flange (hereinafter, denoted as a "flange width W") protruding in a direction from the cylindrical portion to the center O of the through hole 23 ad of the deodorization filter portion 23 a (hereinafter, denoted as an "inner diameter direction") changes in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a. The filter flange portion includes a plurality of flange width widest portions PM that maximize the flange width W and a plurality of flange width narrowest portions Pm that minimize the flange width W. The flange width W of the flange width widest portions PM is set as Wmax and the flange width W of the flange width narrowest portions Pm is set as Wmin. In the second example, the

relation Wmin < Wmax is maintained and the ratio of magnitude of Wmin and Wmax is about 1:5. As shown in FIG. 33, a virtual circle 50 of a radius R around the center O of the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line. The virtual circle 50 is inscribed on an end face in the inner diameter direction of the flange width widest portions PM. [0119]
Thus, if the length of width protruding in the inner diameter direction from the cylindrical portion to the filter is the flange width W, by including a wide portion whose flange width W is large (for example, the flange width widest portions PM), there is no need for the filter flange portion to make the flange width W sandwiching the deodorization filter 23aa in the wide portion small and thus, the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa can reliably be sandwiched. Accordingly, the deodorization filter 23 aa can be prevented from coming off the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac as a filter holding frame. [0120]
By including a narrow portion (for example, the flange width narrowest portions Pm) whose flange width W is smaller than that of the wide portion by changing in flange width W in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a, the area of the filter flange portion can be reduced and thus, a passing region of the deodorization filter can be increased. Compared with a case in which, for example, the flange width W is constant as in the past (if the end face in the inner diameter direction of the filter flange portion is positioned in the virtual circle 50 in FIGS. 33 and 34), the passing region can be increased by a region in a substantially triangular shape surrounded by the virtual circle 50 and a bent solid line in FIGS. 33 and 34. Then, the passing region of the deodorization filter portion 23a can be increased and so ventilation resistance of the deodorization filter portion 23a can be reduced. In the second example, the ratio of Wmin and Wmax is set to about 1:5, but this ratio is arbitrary and

only the relation Wmin < Wmax needs to be maintained. [0121]
Also, in a suction unit according to the second example, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the minimum flange width Wmin of the filter flange portion is set as Wmin > 0 and the filter flange portion is formed so as to be connected in an annular fashion without being cut in the circumferential direction. Thus, even if, for example, a force is applied to the filter flange portion in some direction, the force is conveyed from the location where the force is applied to other portions of the filter flange portion connected in an annular fashion and so the force locally applied to the filter flange portion is dispersed in various directions, making damage to the filter flange portion less likely. [0122]
Also, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the filter flange portion (45, 46) of the deodorization filter portion 23a according to the second example is formed such that the virtual circle 50 of the radius R around the center O of the through hole 23 ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a is inscribed on the end face in the inner diameter direction of each flange width widest portion PM. The virtual circle 50 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line. Further, the filter flange portion is formed such that, when one end face in the inner diameter direction of the flange width widest portion PM and end faces in the inner diameter direction of two adjacent flange width narrowest portions Pm are each connected by a straight line, these two straight lines form a straight angle (angle of 180 degrees). Between the flange width widest portion PM and the flange width narrowest portion Pm adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the flange width W gradually becomes smaller from the flange width widest portion PM toward the flange width narrowest portion Pm. Thus, by making the flange width W smaller gradually from the wide portion (for example, the flange width widest portion PM) with a large flange width W toward the narrow portion

(for example, the flange width narrowest portion Pm) with a small flange width W, compared with a case in which the flange width W changes rapidly like in the fifth example described below, the contact area of the ventilation region near the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23 aa and the filter flange portion of the filter holding frame can be increased. Thus, compared with a case in which the flange width W changes rapidly, a stress (a resistance force per unit area) generated inside the filter flange portion when an external force is applied to the filter flange portion can be prevented from locally increasing and thus, the filter flange portion sandwiching the deodorization filter 23aa can be prevented from being damaged by the stress. [0123]
Next, the third example will be described. FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion 23a of the suction unit according to the third example. As shown in FIG. 35, the filter flange portion (45, 46) of the deodorization filter portion 23a according to the third example is formed such that the virtual circle 50 of the radius R around the center O of the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a is inscribed on the end face in the inner diameter direction of each flange width widest portion PM. Also in the third example, in contrast to the second example, each flange width widest portion PM of the filter flange portion includes one corner 61 of an obtuse angle. In the third example, the corner 61 of an obtuse angle is formed so as to form an angle of about 120 degrees. Then, like in the second example, between the flange width widest portion PM and the flange width narrowest portion Pm adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the flange width W gradually becomes smaller from the flange width widest portion PM toward the flange width narrowest portion Pm. Accordingly, the area in which the ventilation surface near the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa and the filter flange portion come into contact can be increased while ventilation resistance is decreased by reducing the area of the

filter flange portion. Thus, the stress generated inside the filter flange portion can be prevented from locally increasing and therefore, the filter flange portion sandwiching the deodorization filter 23aa can be prevented from being damaged. [0124]
In the third example, while the filter flange portion is formed in an annular shape along the cylindrical portion, the flange width Wmin of the flange width narrowest portion Pm is set as Wmin = 0 and the filter flange portion is cut in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a in this Pm. The filter flange portion may be cut, like in the third example, in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a. [0125]
Next, the fourth example will be described. FIG. 36 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion 23a of the suction unit according to the fourth example. As shown in FIG. 36, the filter flange portion (45, 46) of the deodorization filter portion 23a according to the fourth example is formed such that the virtual circle 50 of the radius R around the center O of the through hole 23 ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a is inscribed on the end face in the inner diameter direction of each flange width widest portion PM. Also, the flange width narrowest portion Pm is formed so as to broaden in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23a. In other words, the flange width narrowest portion Pm has a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23 a. If the flange width narrowest portion Pm has a predetermined length in the circumferential direction, the area of the region blocked by the filter flange portion on the heat transfer plate opposite surface of the deodorization filter can be reduced still further so that ventilation resistance can be decreased still further. [0126]
Further, like in the second example, between the flange width widest portion

PM and the flange width narrowest portion Pm adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter portion 23 a according to the fourth example, the flange width W gradually becomes smaller from the flange width widest portion PM toward the flange width narrowest portion Pm. Accordingly, the area in which the ventilation surface near the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa and the filter flange portion come into contact can be increased while ventilation resistance is decreased by reducing the area of the filter flange portion. Thus, the stress generated inside the filter flange portion can be prevented from locally increasing and therefore, the filter flange portion sandwiching the deodorization filter 23aa can be prevented from being damaged. [0127]
Next, the fifth example will be described. FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the deodorization filter portion 23a of the suction unit according to the fifth example. As shown in FIG. 37, the filter flange portion (45, 46) of the deodorization filter portion 23a according to the fifth example is formed such that the virtual circle 50 of the radius R around the center O of the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a is inscribed on the end face in the inner diameter direction of each flange width widest portion PM. Also in the fifth example, in contrast to the second to fourth examples, the flange width W changes rapidly between the flange width widest portion PM and the flange width narrowest portion Pm adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. More specifically, each flange width widest portion PM of the filter flange portion includes two corners 62 of the right angle and the flange width W changes from Wmax to Wmin in the corner 62 of the right angle. By allowing the flange width W to change rapidly, the stress generated inside the filter flange portion increases locally, but the area of the region blocked by the filter flange portion on the heat transfer plate opposite surface of the deodorization filter can be reduced still further so that ventilation resistance can be decreased still further.

[0128]
Also in the suction units according to the third to fifth examples shown in FIGS. 35 to 37, the filter flange portion includes a wide portion with a large flange width W and a narrow portion whose flange width W is smaller than that of the wide portion. Thus, also regarding the suction units according to the third to fifth examples, by including a wide portion whose large flange width W is large (for example, the flange width widest portions PM), there is no need to make the flange width W sandwiching the deodorization filter 23aa in the wide portion small and thus, the outer circumferential portion of the deodorization filter 23aa can reliably be sandwiched. Thus, the deodorization filter 23aa can be prevented from coming off the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac as a filter holding frame. Also, by including a narrow portion (for example, the flange width narrowest portions Pm) whose flange width W is smaller than that of the wide portion, the area of the filter flange portion can be decreased and thus, the ventilation region that is not blocked by the filter flange portion on the heat transfer plate opposite surface of the deodorization filter can be increased so that ventilation resistance of the deodorization filter portion can be decreased. [0129]
In the second to fifth examples, a case in which the sizes of the flange width W of a plurality of wide portions arranged in the circumferential direction in each example are all the same regardless of the position of the wide portion is shown, but the sizes of the flange width W of the plurality of wide portions may be different from each other. Similarly, in the second to fifth examples, a case in which the sizes of the flange width W of a plurality of narrow portions arranged in the circumferential direction in each example are all the same regardless of the position of the narrow portion is shown, but the sizes of the flange width W of the plurality of narrow portions may be different from each other.

[0130]
Incidentally, the suction unit according to an example is used to deodorize the air by being provided in the air cleaner 1 as the deodorization unit 23, but may also be used for other uses than deodorization. Dehumidification will be illustrated as one of such uses. When the suction unit according to an example is used for dehumidification, a desiccant is substituted for a catalyst provided in the deodorization filter 23aa of the suction unit. The desiccant absorbs water from the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa and desorbs the absorbed water by being heated for regeneration. Zeolite is illustrated as such a desiccant. Even if the suction unit according to an example is used for dehumidification, by a wide portion and a narrow portion being included in the filter flange portion, ventilation resistance can be decreased by expanding the ventilation region on the heat transfer plate opposite surface of the filter while the filter is prevented from coming off the filter holding frame. [0131]
The present invention is not limited to the examples described above and various modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. [0132]
In the suction unit according to the present invention, the filter holding frame includes, as described above, a cylindrical portion covering the side face on the outer circumferential side of the filter and a pair of filter flange portions sandwiching the filter from forward and backward directions along a ventilation direction and, if the length of width protruding from the cylindrical portion to the inner diameter direction of the filter is defined as a flange width, the filter flange portion includes a wide portion with a large flange width and a narrow portion with a small flange width. Accordingly, for example, the ventilation region that is not blocked by the filter flange portion on the heat transfer plate opposite surface of the filter can be increased so that ventilation

resistance in the suction unit can be decreased. Also, for example, the outer circumferential portion of the filter can be sandwiched and thus, the filter can be prevented from coming off the filter holding frame [0133]
The filter flange portion is formed so as to be connected in an annular fashion. Thus, even if, for example, a local force is applied to the filter flange portion, the force is conveyed from the location where the force is applied to other portions of the filter flange portion connected in an annular fashion and so the force locally applied to the filter flange portion is dispersed, making damage to the filter flange portion less likely. [0134]
In the filter flange portion, the flange width gradually becomes smaller from a wide portion to a narrow portion between the wide portion and the narrow portion adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, for example, the area in which the ventilation surface near the outer circumferential portion of the filter and the filter flange portion come into contact can be increased while ventilation resistance is decreased by reducing the area of the filter flange portion. Thus, the stress generated inside the filter flange portion can be prevented from locally increasing and therefore, the filter flange portion sandwiching the filter can be prevented from being damaged.

I/We Claim:
1. A suction unit comprising:
a filter formed like a plate;
a heat transfer plate arranged opposite to a portion of the filter;
a heater that heats a portion of the filter via the heat transfer plate by heating the heat transfer plate;
a drive unit that moves the filter with respect to the heat transfer plate; and
a case that forms a heating space by covering the heat transfer plate, wherein
a cover that covers an edge of the filter is provided in at least one of an outer circumferential portion and an inner circumferential portion of the filter and
a position regulation means for regulating an interval between the filter and the heat transfer plate in a thickness direction of the filter is provided in at least one of the cover, the heat transfer plate, and the case.
2. The suction unit according to claim 1, wherein
the position regulation means is provided on at least one of an opposite surface of the heat transfer plate opposite to the filter, an opposite surface of the case opposite to the filter, and an opposite surface of the cover opposite to the heat transfer plate and includes a height protruding in the thickness direction of the filter.
3. The suction unit according to claim 2, wherein
the heat transfer plate includes a pair of a first plate and a second plate arranged opposite to each other across the filter,
the height is formed on each of the opposite surfaces of the cover opposite to the first plate and the second plate, and
when an opposite interval between the first plate and the second plate in the thickness direction of the filter is D and a thickness between tips of the heights of the

cover is T,
D>T
is satisfied.
4. The suction unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
a width of the height is formed smaller on a tip side than a base end side of the height.
5. The suction unit according to claim 1, wherein
the heat transfer plate includes a pair of a first plate and a second plate arranged opposite to each other across the filter and
the suction unit includes a regulation member arranged by being sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate.
6. The suction unit according to claim 5, wherein
the regulation member is formed from a material having thermal conductivity.
7. The suction unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein
the case has a shank that rotatably supports the filter formed therein and the regulation member in a cylindrical shape is provided in an outer circumferential portion of the shank.
8. An air cleaner comprising:
the suction unit according to claim 1, wherein

the filter sucks odorous components contained in an air by the air being passed therethrough and decomposes the odorous components by being heated.