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 adsorb 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 space portion provided rotatably with a deodorization filter in a plate shape and which heats a portion of the deodorization filter by a heat transfer plate is known.
SUMMARY [0004]
In the above air cleaner, an action of decomposing odorous components is caused in a deodorizing catalyst of a deodorization filter by heating a portion of the deodorization filter positioned inside the heating space portion up to a predetermined temperature after stopping the rotation of the deodorization filter with respect to the heating space portion. The deodorization filter regenerates adsorption capacity of a portion of the deodorization filter by decomposing odorous components adsorbed by the deodorization filter under the decomposition action of the heated deodorizing catalyst. In such an air cleaner, a portion of the deodorization filter is heated in the heating space portion and then, the deodorization filter is rotated to stop the next portion of the deodorization filter contiguous to the heated portion in the heating space portion to

repeat regeneration of the adsorption capacity of the deodorization filter. [0005]
At this point, a portion of the deodorization filter having exited the heating space portion is exposed to the air passing through the deodorization filter outside the heating space portion so that a portion of the heated temperature falls rapidly and the decomposition action of the deodorizing catalyst is lost. Therefore, the decomposition action of odorous components by the deodorization filter could not be obtained in a ventilation space portion outside the heating space portion. [0006]
The disclosed technology is developed in view of the above problems and an object thereof is to provide a suction unit capable of improving the efficiency with which adsorbed materials are removed, 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 the 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 including a heating space portion in which the heater and the heat transfer plate are arranged, wherein a decomposition space portion that decomposes adsorbed materials of the filter is provided outside the case next to a downstream side of the heating space portion in a moving direction of the filter. [0008]
According to an aspect of the suction unit disclosed by the present application, the efficiency with which adsorbed materials are removed can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an air cleaner according to an example;
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the air cleaner according to an example;
FIG. 3 is an A-A sectional view in FIG. 1 showing the air cleaner according to an example;
FIG. 4 is a B-B sectional view in FIG. 1 showing the air cleaner according to an example;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a deodorization unit according to an example;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the deodorization unit according to an example;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a deodorization filter portion of the deodorization unit according to an example;
FIG. 8 is a C-C sectional view in FIG. 6 showing a filter regeneration portion of the deodorization unit according to an example;
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the filter regeneration portion of the deodorization unit according to an example;
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a decomposition action of odorous components of a deodorization filter in the deodorization unit according to an example;
FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating efficiency with which odorous components in the air are decomposed by the deodorization unit according to an example; and
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of decomposition space portion in the deodorization unit according to an 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 examples described below.
Example [0011]
[Configuration of Air Cleaner]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an air cleaner according to an 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 11b, a left-side face panel 11c, and a bottom 11d. The bottom 11d 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 11b and the left-side face panel 11c form side faces of the body cabinet 11 by being arranged opposite to each other and the lower end of each is joined to the bottom 11d. 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 11b and the upper end of the left-side face panel 11c. 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 a lower 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 11b of the front panel 13. The

left-side face suction opening 13c is arranged on the side of the left-side face panel 11c of the front panel 13. The lower suction opening 13d is arranged on the side of the bottom 11d 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 an 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 11b of the rear panel 14. The left-side face outlet 14c is arranged on the side of the left-side face panel 11c 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 each of the upper surface suction opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the lower suction opening 13d before the air is blown out from each of the upper surface outlet 14a, the right-side face outlet 14b, and 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 an 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 13c, and the lower 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 as a blowing unit. 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 lower 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 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 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 lower 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 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the lower 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 1 according to an 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 lower 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 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the lower suction opening 13d. [0026]
[Configuration of The Deodorization Unit]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a deodorization unit according to an example. The deodorization unit 23 as a suction unit according to an 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 an 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 the holding portion 23g (location on the underside when the holding portion 23g is arranged in the air duct 10). The two first axes 23ga rotatably support the two

rollers 23m by each 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 from 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 23ge 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 an 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 23aa. The deodorization filter 23aa contains an adsorbent that adsorbs odorous components as adsorbed materials and a deodorizing catalyst that generates an action to decompose odorous components. The deodorization filter 23aa according to the present example contains the adsorbent and the deodorizing catalyst separately, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. Thus, for example, the deodorization filter 23aa may contain a catalyst (adsorptive/deodorizing catalyst) having adsorption capacity. The deodorization filter 23aa adsorbs odorous components from the passing air and decomposes adsorbed odorous components by being heated 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 adsorbs odorous components

from the air flowing near the catalyst layer and decomposes adsorbed odorous components 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 23aa. [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 23aa by covering outer circumferential edges of the deodorization filter 23aa. 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 23ad 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 23aa formed integrally on both sides in the thickness direction (X direction) of the deodorization filter 23aa. 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 23aa by the first height 23acp and the second height 23aep.

[0036]
[Configuration of The Filter Regeneration Portion]
FIG. 8 shows a C-C sectional view in FIG. 6 showing the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization unit 23 according to an example. The filter regeneration portion 23f includes, as shown in FIG. 8, 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 23a. The case 23e 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 23e. The rear face side case member 23eb 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 S1 in which the PTC heater 23b is arranged. [0037]
The heat transfer plate 23c includes a pair of a front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and a rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb arranged opposite to each other. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is supported by the inside of the case 23e. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca 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 is supported by the inside of the case 23e. The rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb 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 rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb from the rear face side.

[0038]
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 a positioning protrusion 23cf (FIG. 9) of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb described below. Also, the movement in the Z direction of the PTC heater 23b is restricted by the PTC heater 23b being hit against a support portion formed on the rear face side case member 23eb. [0039]
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization unit according to an example. The front face side heat transfer plate 23ca and the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb 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. 9, on the front face side of the deodorization filter portion 23a. 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 23a) increases from the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a 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 23ca. A through hole 23cag corresponding to the through hole 23ad of the

deodorization filter portion 23a is formed in the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca. A shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb described below is inserted into the through hole 23cag. [0040]
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 23a) increases from the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a to the outer circumferential side thereof. The rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb includes a filter opposite surface 23cba and a cover opposite surface 23cbb. The filter opposite surface 23cba is one surface of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb and the cover opposite surface 23cbb is the other surface of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. [0041]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, 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 23cf being hit against the outer circumferential surface of the PTC heater 23b. Similarly to the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb, the filter opposite surface 23caa of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca is also provided with a positioning protrusion 23cg that positions the PTC heater 23b (see FIG. 8). 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. [0042]

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 23a 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. 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 23cb to enhance thermal conductivity. [0043]
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. 9, a size larger than that of the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb. The rear face side case member 23eb includes a heating space portion S1b (corresponding to rear face side of the heating space portion S1) 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 S1b. The heating space portion S1b functions as a space to heat the deodorization filter 23aa. [0044]
The rear face side case member 23eb is formed like a bottomed box 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 23ad 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. [0045]
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 joining member is screwed. In addition, a boss 23xb having a through hole 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. [0046]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, like the rear face side case member 23eb, the front face side case member 23ea is formed from a synthetic resin material. The outer shape of the front face side case member 23ea is formed a size larger than that of the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca. The front face side case member 23ea includes a heating

space portion S1a (corresponding to front face side of the heating space portion S1) on the inner side thereof. For example, the PTC heater 23b and the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca are arranged in the heating space portion S1a. The heating space portion S1a functions as a space to heat the deodorization filter 23aa via the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca. [0047]
The front face side case member 23ea is formed like a bottomed box and includes a bottom 23eca and a first side portion 23ecb, a second side portion 23ecc, a third side portion 23ecd, and a 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. [0048]
An axle seat portion 23xc is formed in a position opposite to the through hole 23ad of the deodorization filter portion 23a at the bottom 23eca of the front face side case member 23ea. The tip of the shank 23xa of the rear face side case member 23eb

is hit against the axle seat portion 23xc. The axle seat portion 23xc includes a through
hole into which the screw 23t is screwed.
[0049]
The case 23e in which the PTC heater 23b, the front face side heat transfer plate 23ca, the rear face side heat transfer plate 23cb, 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. 8 and 9, the shank 23xa is inserted into a shaft member 23xe in a cylindrical shape 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. [0050]
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 23a has the gear portion 38 of the outer circumferential portion filter cover 23ac engaged with the rotation detection gear 23k and the rotation thereof is detected by the rotation detector 23r. [0051]
The configuration of the deodorization filter portion 23a configured as described above will be described as features of the present example. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a decomposition action of odorous components of the

deodorization filter 23aa in the deodorization unit 23 according to an example. [0052]
In the deodorization unit 23 according to an example, as shown in FIG. 10, the deodorization filter 23aa is rotated in the R direction by the drive unit 23h while the deodorization filter 23aa is heated in the heating space portion S1 inside the case 23e. At this point, while a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa passes through the heating space portion S1, the drive unit 23h moves the deodorization filter 23aa in such a way that the portion thereof is heated to a temperature (hereinafter, called the “predetermined temperature”) at which the decomposition action of adsorbed materials rises to a required level in a deodorizing catalyst of the deodorization filter 23aa. Thus, for example, a region S2 (hereinafter, called the “decomposition space portion S2”) as a temperature zone lower than the predetermined temperature and higher than the temperature of a treated air arises next to the heating space portion S1 downstream of the heating space portion S1 in the R direction as a rotation direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. [0053]
To allow the decomposition space portion S2 to arise properly, for example, the drive unit 23h continues to rotate the deodorization filter 23aa at a predetermined speed. Accordingly, the deodorization filter 23aa heated inside the heating space portion S1 continues to be sequentially supplied to the air duct 10. Accordingly, a deodorizing catalyst whose temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature and higher than the temperature of a treated air is maintained inside the decomposition space portion S2 downstream of the heating space portion S1 in the deodorization filter 23aa. In other words, the drive unit 23h rotates the deodorization filter 23aa in such a way that the temperature of a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa heated inside the heating space portion S1 is maintained at the predetermined temperature or higher inside the decomposition space portion S2 by a stepping motor being driven and controlled by a

drive control circuit (not shown) as a control unit. Also in the deodorization unit 23 according to an example, while a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa is heated by the PTC heater 23b inside the heating space portion S1, the air is blown to the deodorization filter 23aa by the air blower 25. [0054]
Thus, the decomposition of odorous components adsorbed by the deodorizati filter 23aa continues and also odorous components in the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa are decomposed inside the decomposition space portion S2 adjacent to the heating space portion S1 by the decomposition action of the deodorizi catalyst of the deodorization filter 23aa being maintained. Thus, the amount of odorous components removed by the deodorization filter 23aa in the air duct 10 is increased by a synergistic effect of odorous components adsorbed by the deodorizatio filter 23aa and odorous components in the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa being each decomposed inside the decomposition space portion S2. [0055]
Also, a region S3 (hereinafter, called the “ordinary temperature space portion S3”) in which the temperature of the deodorization filter 23aa is the same as that of, f example, a treated air (hereinafter, called the “ordinary temperature”) exists between t downstream side of the decomposition space portion S2 and the upstream side of the heating space portion S1 in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23 rotating in the R direction. In the ordinary temperature space portion S3, the temperature of the deodorization filter 23aa becomes equal to the ordinary temperatur due to the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa. Thus, in the ordinary temperature space portion S3, the decomposition action of odorous components deteriorates and the deodorization filter 23aa mainly adsorbs odorous components of t treated air. [0056]

In the present example, regarding the size (angle) of the heating space portion S1 and the decomposition space portion S2 in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23aa, the heating time needed to heat the deodorization filter 23aa up to 80°C is calculated to be about 30 sec by assuming that the decomposition action of a required level arises in a deodorizing catalyst when the temperature of the deodorizing catalyst of the deodorization filter 23aa is 80°C, which is the predetermined temperature, or higher. When a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa exits the heating space portion S1 after being heated to the predetermined temperature inside the heating space portion S1, the temperature thereof falls to around the ordinary temperature in one minute. [0057]
Based on the above, if the angle 91 formed by the heating space portion S1 around the center O1 (around the shank 23xa) is set to 36°, the rotational speed of the stepping motor needed to pass the angle 91 = 36° of the heating space portion S1 in 30 seconds is 160 [PPS]. Then, if the stepping motor is rotated at 160 [PPS], the angle formed by the deodorization filter 23aa in one minute is 160 [PPS] × 60 (s) = 9600 pulsesa72°. Thus, in the present example, an angle 92 formed by the decomposition space portion S2 around the center O1 is set to about 72°. Therefore, the ratio of the heating space portion S1, the decomposition space portion S2, and the ordinary temperature space portion S3 in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23aa is set to 36° : 72° : 252° = 1:2:7. [0058]
Measurement results of cleaning capacity of the deodorization unit 23 according to an example are shown in FIG 11. FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating efficiency with which odorous components (formaldehyde) in the air are decomposed by the deodorization unit 23 according to an example. In FIG. 11, the vertical axis represents the concentration [ppm] of formaldehyde as odorous components and the

horizontal axis represents the time [min]. In an example, an operation of rotating the deodorization filter 23aa was performed while, as described above, the deodorization filter 23aa was heated inside the heating space portion S1. In Comparative Example, the rotation of the deodorization filter 23aa was stopped while the deodorization filter 23aa was heated inside the heating space portion S1 and after the deodorization filter 23aa was heated inside the heating space portion S1, an operation of rotating the deodorization filter 23aa was performed. In FIG. 11, the example is indicated by a solid line and Comparative Example is indicated by a broken line. [0059]
In the example, as shown in FIG. 11, compared with Comparative Example, the concentration of formaldehyde was kept low immediately after the operation of the air cleaner 1 was started and also the efficiency with which the concentration of formaldehyde was lowered was improved. Also, according to the example, the concentration of formaldehyde when 60 min passed after starting the operation was lowered to 1/4 or less of the concentration in Comparative Example. The result of the decomposition of formaldehyde being promoted in the example can be expressed by CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) as shown below. CADR can be defined as the amount (m3/h) of clean air that can be supplied in an hour. If the air capacity is 426 [m3/h], CADR [m3/h] of formaldehyde of the example is 24 [m3/h] while CADR [m3/h] of Comparative Example is 16 [m3/h]. Therefore, CADR of the example is 50% higher than that of Comparative Example. [0060]
However, the present example is not limited to a rotation operation in which the deodorization filter 23aa is continuously rotated while a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa is heated inside the heating space portion S1 and the deodorization filter 23aa may be intermittently rotated while a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa is heated inside the heating space portion S1. For example, by intermittently rotating the

deodorization filter 23aa by an angle smaller than the angle 9 formed by the heating space portion S1 around the center O1 (around the shank 23xa), the drive unit 23h can easily secure the time in which a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa remains inside the heating space portion S1, that is, the heating time for only the predetermined time. Also, by intermittently rotating the deodorization filter 23aa, the size (angle) of the heating space portion S1 in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23aa can be made smaller. [0061]
Incidentally, a separate heating portion to heat the deodorization filter 23aa may be provided in the decomposition space portion S2 if necessary. By heating the deodorization filter 23aa inside the decomposition space portion S2 using the separate heating portion, the temperature of the deodorization filter 23aa can easily be kept at the predetermined temperature at which the decomposition action of a deodorizing catalyst is obtained. [0062]
FIG 12 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the decomposition space portion S2 in the deodorization unit according to an example. As shown in FIG 12, an auxiliary heater and auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b as auxiliary radiator portions are provided inside the decomposition space portion S2. The decomposition space portion S2 includes, for example, PTC auxiliary heaters 31a and 31b of the auxiliary heater. In addition, a set of the auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b heated by the PTC auxiliary heaters 31a and 31b is included. The set of auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b is arranged opposite to each other on both sides in the thickness direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. The PTC auxiliary heaters 31a and 31b are arranged along the outer circumference of the deodorization filter 23aa on the outer circumferential side of the deodorization filter 23aa and sandwiched between the set of auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b. The

auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b are formed, for example, in a fan shape corresponding to the size (angle) inside the decomposition space portion S2 in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23aa and a punching metal, a wire gauze or the like having a plurality of vent holes 33 is used. By including the plurality of vent holes 33, the auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b can enable smooth passage of the air sent from the air blower 25 through the deodorization filter 23aa. [0063]
Also, in the decomposition space portion S2 according to the modification described above, the deodorization filter 23aa is directly heated by heat of the PTC auxiliary heaters 31a and 31b via the auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b, but the deodorization filter 23aa may indirectly be heated by heat of the auxiliary heaters. In this configuration, though not illustrated, for example, an auxiliary heater and a heat radiation member heated by the auxiliary heater are included. The heat radiation member is arranged, for example, in a position opposite to the deodorization filter 23aa inside the decomposition space portion S2 between the air blower 25 that blows the air toward the deodorization filter 23aa and the deodorization filter 23aa. The heat radiation member includes a plurality of radiator fins and the air sent by the air blower 25 becomes a hot air after being warmed by the radiator fins and the deodorization filter 23aa is indirectly heated by the passage of the hot air through the deodorization filter 23aa via the hot air. Also in the modification described above, an auxiliary heater is included, but the auxiliary heater may not be included. In that case, as the heat source of the auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b, for example, the PTC heater 23b in the heating space portion S1 may be used. [0064]
In the configuration in which an auxiliary heater is used for heating in the decomposition space portion S2, the angle of the decomposition space portion S2 in the circumferential direction of the deodorization filter 23aa can arbitrarily be adjusted in

accordance with the rotational speed of the deodorization filter 23aa or the predetermined temperature at which the decomposition action arises in a deodorizing catalyst of the deodorization filter 23aa. [0065]
In the above example, the decomposition space portion S2 is provided downstream of the case 23e in the rotation direction of the deodorization filter 23aa, that is, outside the case 23e, but the decomposition space portion S2 may also be provided inside the case 23e. In this configuration, for example, the case 23e may be extended to cover the decomposition space portion S2 and also vent holes to secure air permeability of the air through the deodorization filter 23aa may be provided in a region of the case 23e corresponding to the decomposition space portion S2. The auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b may also be integrally formed using a punching metal, a wire gauze or the like in a portion of the case 23e. Also, a partition wall by which the heating space portion S1 and the decomposition space portion S2 are partitioned may be provided inside the case 23e. [0066]
[Operation of The 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. The air blower 25 of the air cleaner 1 is driven so the air blower 25 sucks 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 13c, and the lower suction opening 13d. [0067]
The air sucked into the body cabinet 11 flows from the upper surface suction

opening 13a, the right-side face suction opening 13b, the left-side face suction opening 13c, and the lower 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. [0068]
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 23aa 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. [0069]
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. [0070]

The air cleaner 1 continues to energize the PTC heater 23b during operation and also drives the drive unit 23h. At this point, the air cleaner 1 continuously rotates the deodorization filter portion 23a so as to make a turn in a predetermined time or intermittently rotates the deodorization filter portion 23a so as to rotate by a predetermined angle in every predetermined time. 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 23aa 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 23aa while regenerating the deodorizing capacity of the position covered with the filter regeneration portion 23f of the deodorization filter 23aa. Also, in the present example, odorous components in the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa are decomposed while the regeneration action of deodorizing capacity of the deodorization filter 23aa is maintained in the decomposition space portion S2 by allowing the air to pass through the deodorization filter 23aa while rotating the deodorization filter 23aa. [0071]
In the deodorization unit 23 according to an example, as described above, the decomposition space portion S2 that decomposes adsorbed materials of the deodorization filter 23aa is provided outside the case 23e next to the downstream side of the deodorization filter 23aa with respect to the heating space portion S1 in the moving direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. Accordingly, the decomposition of odorous components adsorbed by the deodorization filter 23aa continues and also odorous components in the air passing through the deodorization filter 23aa are decomposed. Thus, adsorptivity of odorous components by the deodorization filter 23aa can be enhanced. As a result, purification performance of odorous components can be improved. [0072]

Also, the drive unit 23h included in the deodorization unit 23 according to an example moves the deodorization filter 23aa with respect to the heating space portion S1 while heating the deodorization filter 23aa by the PTC heater 23b. Accordingly, the decomposition space portion S2 can properly be provided on the downstream side of the heating space portion S1 in the moving direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. At this point, the deodorization filter 23aa may be moved continuously or intermittently with respect to the heating space portion S1. [0073]
Also, while a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa passes through the heating space portion S1, the drive unit 23h included in the deodorization unit 23 according to an example moves the deodorization filter 23aa in such a way that the portion thereof is heated to the predetermined temperature at which the decomposition action of adsorbed materials arises in a deodorizing catalyst of the deodorization filter 23aa. Accordingly, the decomposition space portion S2 can properly be provided on the downstream side of the heating space portion S1 in the moving direction of the deodorization filter 23aa. [0074]
In the decomposition space portion S2 included in the deodorization unit 23 according to an example, for example, the PTC auxiliary heaters 31a and 31b and the auxiliary heat transfer plates 32a and 32b are arranged as auxiliary radiator portions to heat a portion of the deodorization filter 23aa. Accordingly, the temperature of the deodorization filter 23aa can easily be kept at the predetermined temperature or higher at which the decomposition action of odorous components arises inside the decomposition space portion S2. [0075]
Also, the deodorization unit 23 according to an example includes the air blower 25 that blows the air to the deodorization filter 23aa while heating the deodorization filter 23aa by the PTC heater 23b. Accordingly, odorous components in the air passing

through the deodorization filter 23aa can be decomposed inside the decomposition space portion S2 and so purification performance of odorous components can be improved.

I/We Claim:
1. A suction unit (23) comprising:
a filter (23aa) formed like a plate;
a heat transfer plate (23c) that is arranged opposite to a portion of the filter (23aa);
a heater (23b) that heats a portion of the filter (23aa) via the heat transfer plate (23c) by heating the heat transfer plate (23c);
a drive unit (23h) that moves the filter (23aa) with respect to the heat transfer plate (23c); and
a case (23e) including a heating space portion (S1, S1a, S1b) in which the heater (23b) and the heat transfer plate (23c) are arranged, wherein
a decomposition space portion (S2), which decomposes adsorbed materials of the filter (23aa), is provided outside the case (23e) next to a downstream side of the heating space portion (S1, S1a, S1b) in a moving direction of the filter (23aa).
2. The suction unit (23) according to claim 1, wherein
the drive unit (23h) moves the filter (23aa) with respect to the heating space portion (S1, S1a, S1b) while heating the filter (23aa) by the heater (23b).
3. The suction unit (23) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
while a portion of the filter (23aa) passes through the heating space portion (S1, S1a, S1b), the drive unit (23h) moves the filter (23aa) in such a way that the portion thereof is heated to a predetermined temperature at which a decomposition action of adsorbed materials arises in the filter (23aa).
4. The suction unit (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

an auxiliary heating portion (31a, 31b, 32a, 32b), which heats the portion of the filter (23aa), is arranged in the decomposition space portion (S2).
5. An air cleaner (1) comprising: the suction unit (23) according to any one of claims
1 to 4, wherein
the filter (23aa) adsorbs odorous components, which are contained in an air, by the air being passed therethrough, and decomposes the odorous components by being heated.
6. The air cleaner (1) according to claim 5, further comprising:
a blower unit (25) that blows the air to the filter (23aa) while heating the filter (23aa) by the heater (23b) of the suction unit (23).