PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air cleaner which facilitates the contact between a photocatalyst and air so as to achieve effective air cleaning effect.SOLUTION: The air cleaner includes: UV irradiation means 1, a duct case 2 which surrounds the periphery of the UV irradiation means 1, air flow generating means 3 which generates air flow in the duct case 2, and a photocatalyst layer formed on the inner face of the duct case 2. The duct case 2 has a polygonal columnar shape twisted around the column axis. The shape structure of the duct case 2 is designed such that the contact efficiency between the air flowing in the duct case 2 and the photocatalyst is increased, resulting in facilitated contact between the air flowing in the duct case 2 and the photocatalyst. The air cleaner is advantageous in respect to the initial cost of the device itself and the maintenance cost. Combination use with a structure for facilitating contact between air and a photocatalyst further improves the contact efficiency between the air flowing in the duct case 2 and the photocatalyst.COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT【課題】光触媒と空気の接触を簡単な構造で促進し、効果的な空気清浄効果を得ることができる空気清浄機を提供する。【解決手段】紫外線照射手段1と、紫外線照射手段1の周囲を囲う筒状のダクトケース2と、上記ダクトケース2内に気流を発生させる気流発生手段3と、上記ダクトケース2の内面に形成された光触媒層とを備え、上記ダクトケース2が多角形の柱状で、柱の軸を中心にねじれている。ダクトケース2の形状的な構造に工夫を加えることににより、ダクトケース2内を流通する空気と光触媒との接触効率をあげ、ダクトケース2内に流通させる空気と光触媒との接触が促進される。装置自体のイニシャルコストやメンテナンスコストおいて有利である。空気と光触媒の接触を促進するための構造物を併用した場合には、ダクトケース2内を流通する空気と光触媒との接触効率がさらに向上する。【選択図】図1
