KR102122582B1 - Humidifying air cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidified air purifier.
In the humidifying air purifier according to the embodiment of the present invention, a planar heater disposed in a discharge flow path; A metal sheet disposed outside the planar heater; And an insulating material disposed on the outside of the metal sheet to increase the heat transfer area of the heater and improve the insulating effect. Further, the metal sheet is bent and disposed to surround the outer surface of the heater, so that the heat transfer area of the heater can be increased.

Description

Humidifying air cleaner

The present invention relates to a humidified air purifier.

An air purifier is understood as a device that inhales and purifies contaminated air and then exhausts the purified air. For example, the air cleaner may include a blower for introducing external air into the air cleaner and a filter capable of filtering dust or bacteria in the air.

A humidifier is understood as a device that sucks in air, humidifies it, and discharges it to provide moisture to the air. Conventional humidifiers are divided into a vibrating type that atomizes water from a diaphragm and discharges it into the air, and a natural evaporation type that naturally evaporates from a humidifying filter.

The natural evaporative humidifier rotates the disk using a driving force, and a disk-type humidifier in which water is naturally evaporated from the surface of the disk in the air, and a humidifying filter-type humidifier that is naturally evaporated by air flowing in a humidified medium soaked with water. Are distinguished.

In the conventional humidifier, some of the air flowing in the humidification process was filtered by the filter. However, the conventional humidifier has a problem in that the function of purifying air is weak because the humidifying function is main.

In recent years, humidifying air purifiers have been developed that add a humidifying function to an air cleaner.

In connection with such an electric humidifying air purifier, the following prior art is introduced.

1. Korean Registered Patent No. (Registration Date): 10-1765663 (December 30, 2011)

2. Name of invention: Air purifier and operation method

The air purifier according to the prior art above is configured such that air sucked from the front of the air purifier is filtered while flowing backwards, and the filtered air is diverted and then discharged upward after humidification. According to this prior art, the following problems appear.

First, since the air sucked into the air purifier flows in a vertical direction, the flow performance may be deteriorated.

Second, it is configured to perform only the air cleaning and humidifying functions, and there is a problem that it cannot perform the function of warm air.

Third, since the humidifying flow path opening and closing unit is separately controlled and humidification is selectively performed, the operation reliability of the air purifier may be reduced due to complicated control.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention aims to provide a humidifying air purifier capable of simultaneously or selectively performing four air conditioning functions, that is, blowing, air cleaning, humidifying and warm air functions.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a humidifying air purifier capable of preventing a problem of a temperature drop generated in a process in which heated air is humidified by arranging a heater adjacent to a discharge part when performing a warm air function.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a humidifying air purifier capable of quickly reaching a target temperature of a heater and reducing heat loss by configuring the heater as a planar heater.

In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a humidified air purifier capable of heating the air passing through the discharge flow path easily and providing insulation to the discharge body to ensure stability by providing a heat transfer and heat insulation structure around the surface heater. .

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a humidified air purifier capable of improving air intake and discharge structures to improve air flow performance.

In the humidifying air purifier according to the embodiment of the present invention, a planar heater disposed in a discharge flow path; A metal sheet disposed outside the planar heater; And an insulating material disposed on the outside of the metal sheet to increase the heat transfer area of the heater and improve the insulating effect.

The metal sheet is bent and arranged to surround the outer surface of the heater, so that the heat transfer area of the heater can be increased.

The metal sheet includes a first sheet portion covering the front surface of the planar heater and second and third sheet portions extending rearward from both sides of the first sheet portion and covering side surfaces of the planar heater, the front surface of the heater And it may be arranged to surround the side.

The metal sheet may include: a fourth sheet portion extending in a horizontal direction from the second sheet portion; And a fifth sheet portion extending in the horizontal direction from the third sheet portion.

The fourth and fifth seat portions may be arranged to be sequentially aligned with the rear of the heater.

The fifth sheet portion may be positioned between the rear surface of the heater and the fourth sheet portion to increase the heat transfer area.

The length of the second sheet portion in the front-rear direction (L1) may be longer than the length of the third sheet portion (L2).

The fourth seat portion and the fifth seat portion may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the heater.

The distance d1 from the fourth seat portion to the rear surface of the heater may be greater than the distance d2 from the fifth seat portion to the rear surface of the heater.

The fourth sheet portion and the fifth sheet portion may be spaced apart by a distance d3 set in the front-rear direction.

The metal sheet may contact the front and side surfaces of the heater.

The heat insulating material includes: a first heat insulating material covering the front of the heater; And a second heat insulating material disposed between the first heat insulating material and the metal sheet.

The heat insulating material further includes a third heat insulating material disposed in front of the metal sheet, and the second and third heat insulating materials are laminated in front and rear.

The planar heater includes: first and second heating units extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart in the horizontal direction; And a third heating unit connecting the lower portions of the first and second heating units.

The metal sheet and the heat insulating material are provided on the first and second heating parts.

The planar heater, the metal sheet and the heat insulating material constitute a heater assembly, and the heater assembly includes: a first heater assembly disposed in a front portion of the discharge body; And a second heater assembly disposed at a rear portion of the discharge body.

According to the present invention according to the above-described solution, four air conditioning functions, i.e., blowing, air cleaning, humidifying, and warming functions can be performed simultaneously or selectively, the customized operation of the air purifier according to the ambient temperature and humidity It may be possible.

In addition, when performing the warm air function, by arranging the heater adjacent to the discharge portion, when the heater is disposed adjacent to the suction portion, it is possible to prevent a problem of a temperature drop generated in the process of humidifying the heated air.

In addition, by configuring the heater as a planar heater and arranging it in a bent shape according to the shape of the discharge portion, it is possible to quickly reach the target temperature of the heater and reduce heat loss.

In addition, since the heat transfer area may be increased by the metal sheet disposed to surround the heater, heating of the air passing through the discharge flow path can be easily performed.

In addition, since a heat insulating material covering the side and front (or rear) portions of the heater and the metal sheet is provided, it is possible to prevent high-temperature heat generated from the heater from acting on the discharge body. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the risk of damage to the discharge body or fire.

In addition, by forming the metal sheet and the heat insulating material in a thin thickness, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which air flow through the discharge passage is disturbed by the metal sheet or the heat insulating material. Therefore, it becomes possible to secure a smooth discharge flow path.

In addition, since air can be sucked in from the bottom of the air purifier and discharged by flowing upward, the flow performance of air can be improved.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a humidifying air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a humidified air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 and 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a humidifying air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of FIG. 1.
6 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a discharge device and a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal configuration of a discharge unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing the configuration of a metal sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion “A” of FIG. 10.
12 is a bottom view showing the configuration of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII' of FIG. 6.
14A to 14B are views schematically showing the configuration of a heater assembly according to the prior art, and FIG. 14C is a view schematically showing the configuration of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a cross-sectional view showing air flow in a humidified air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art to understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a humidified air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a humidified air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the humidifying air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention (10, hereinafter air purifier), the base 100 placed on the ground and the main body 200,300 extending upwards of the base 100 ) Is included. The base 100 has a disc shape, and the main bodies 200 and 300 may have a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. In addition, since the cross-sectional area of the base 100 is formed larger than the cross-sectional area of the main bodies 200 and 300, structural stability of the air cleaner 10 may be realized.

The main body 200 and 300 may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with respect to the base 100 in a horizontal direction, that is, a vertical axis in the vertical direction.

The main body 200 and 300 includes a lower body 200 provided on an upper side of the base 100. The lower body 200 has a cylindrical shape and can be extended by a height set to the upper side of the base 100.

The lower body 200 includes cylindrical hollow cases 210 and 220. On the lower outer circumferential surfaces of the cases 210 and 220, suction portions 212 through which air is sucked are formed. Since the plurality of suction units 212 are formed spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the suction capacity of air may be increased.

An upper portion of the cases 210 and 220 includes a through hole 228 that allows the inside of the cases 210 and 220 to communicate with the outside. The through hole 228 may be formed at a height where the water bottle 240 (see FIG. 4) is located. When the valve provided in the water bottle 240 is opened, the inside of the water bottle 240 forms atmospheric pressure by the through hole 228, so the water stored in the water bottle 240 is a water storage tank 231, see FIG. 4. ).

The cases 210 and 220 include a first case 210 and a second case 220 fitted to an upper side of the first case 210. The inner and outer diameters of the first and second cases 210 and 220 may be the same. In this embodiment, the first and second cases 210 and 220 are described as being detachably provided, but may be integrally formed as one case.

The main body 200 and 300 further includes an upper body 300 provided on an upper side of the lower body 200. The upper body 300 may be detachably coupled to the upper center portion of the lower body 200. In addition, the upper body 300 may have an elongated hexahedral shape extending upward from the lower body 200.

In detail, the upper body 300 is coupled to the upper center portion of the lower body 200, and the upper and lower side parts may be provided with water bottle covers 251 and 255 for water supply. The bucket covers 251 and 255 may be exposed to the outside to allow access by users.

The upper body 300 includes a discharge device 310 having a discharge hole 325 through which air is discharged, and a display unit 380 disposed at a central portion of the discharge device 310.

3 and 4 are exploded perspective views showing the configuration of a humidifying air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' of FIG. 1.

3 to 5, the humidifying air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base 100 and a lower body 200 provided on an upper side of the base 100.

The base 100 may be configured to have an open top and a cylindrical shape. The base 100 is a fixed configuration. In addition, a driving device for rotating the lower body 200 and the upper body 300 may be provided inside the base 100.

The lower body 200 includes cases 210 and 220 and a plurality of parts disposed inside the cases 210 and 220. The plurality of parts may include parts for performing air blowing, air cleaning, and humidifying functions of the air cleaner 10.

In detail, the lower body 200 includes a support device 110 coupled to the upper side of the base 100. The support device 110 is disposed to cover the opened upper portion of the base 100, and may be configured to rotate in the left and right directions by the driving device of the base 100. The lower body 200 is coupled to the support device 110 and can rotate in the left and right directions with respect to the base 100. For example, the support device 110 may be coupled to the first case 210 and the inner case 265.

In addition, the support device 110 has a cylindrical shape, and may have a suction opening 111a communicating with the suction part 212. The suction opening 111a may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support device 110.

The lower body 200 further includes an inner case 265 provided on an upper side of the support device 110. The inner case 265 may have a cylindrical shape with open top and bottom. A filter 270 may be supported on the inner lower portion of the inner case 265, and a humidifier 230 may be supported on the inner upper portion. Further, a blower may be coupled to the inner case 265 by a fastening member. In addition, the inner case 265 may be extended (relatively) to the first and second cases 210 and 220 by extending in a relatively long direction.

The lower body 200 further includes a filter 270 disposed above the support device 110 and through which air sucked through the suction opening 111a of the support device 110 passes. The filter 270 may have a cylindrical shape having a relatively low height (25-35 mm) and may have an outer diameter adapted to the inner diameter of the inner case 265. The filter 270 is composed of a filter with a full inside, air is introduced into the bottom surface of the filter 270 and filtered, and filtered air may be discharged to the top surface of the filter 270.

The lower body 200 further includes a ring-shaped filter support 275 that supports the filter 270. The filter support portion 275 is coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 265, and can support a lower portion of the filter 270. That is, the filter support portion 275 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 265 to support the bottom surface of the filter 270.

The lower body 200 includes a blowing device disposed at an outlet side of the filter 270. For example, the blowing device may be disposed above the filter 270. In detail, the blower includes a fan 280 generating air flow and a fan motor 282 coupled to the fan 280.

The fan 280 may include a centrifugal fan in the axial direction. The fan 280 may include a plurality of blades that guide the air inclined upward. The fan motor 282 may be axially coupled to the upper side of the fan 280. In addition, a sound absorbing material 281 may be installed on the blade to reduce noise generated from air passing through the fan 280. In one example, the sound absorbing material 281 is composed of a porous member, it may be attached to the blade.

The shroud 260 is disposed on the suction side of the fan 280 and may have a rounded inner surface to collect air toward the lower end of the fan 280. The lower end of the shroud 260 may be positioned higher than the lower end of the fan 280. Accordingly, the air that has passed through the filter 270 flows upward through the lower portion of the shroud 260 and can be sucked into the fan 280.

The air blower further includes a holder 284 coupled to the upper side of the shroud 260. The holder 284 may be formed to be heavier than the shroud 260. The holder 284 is made of a metal material, and the shroud 260 is made of a plastic injection material. In one example, the holder 284 may be made of an aluminum material.

The weight of the holder 284 is formed at least three times the weight of the shroud 260. Preferably, the weight of the holder 284 may be formed to be about 5 times the weight of the shroud 260. As described above, the holder 264 is formed to be heavier than the shroud 260 so that the holder 264 presses the shroud 260 downward, so that noise caused by vibration in the shroud 260 is generated. Can be reduced.

The fan 280 may be located inside the holder 284. That is, the holder 284 may be understood as a fan housing providing an installation space of the fan 280. The upper end and the lower end of the holder 284 are formed to be opened to allow air to pass therethrough. In addition, the fan 280 may be installed in an inner space formed by the shroud 260 and the holder 284.

The air blower further includes a diffuser 286 provided on the upper side of the holder 284 and collecting air emitted to the inner circumferential side of the holder 284 while passing through the fan 280. The diffuser 286 may be coupled to the fan motor 282. That is, the fan 280 and the diffuser 286 may be coupled to one fan motor 282 to rotate.

The blower apparatus further includes a diffuser guide 288 disposed above the diffuser 286. The diffuser guide 288 is configured to open the upper and lower portions to surround the outer circumferential surface of the diffuser 286. Between the outer circumferential surface of the diffuser 286 and the inner circumferential surface of the diffuser guide 288, an air flow path passing through the diffuser 286 is formed.

The lower body 200 further includes a humidifying device 230 disposed above the blowing device. In detail, the humidifying device 230 may be disposed on the outlet side of the diffuser 286, that is, on the upper side of the diffuser 286.

The humidifying device 230 may be supported on the inner case 265. In detail, the humidifying device 230 includes a water tank 240 and a water storage tank 231 in which water stored in the water tank 240 is collected. The water tank 240 may be seated on the upper side of the water storage tank 231. In addition, a humidification medium 235 may be installed in the water storage tank 231.

The water bottle 240 includes a water bottle body 241 with an open top. In one example, the water bottle body 241 has a predetermined height and may have a substantially cylindrical shape. On the upper portion of the water bottle 240, a water inlet 245 through which water can be supplied is formed. The water inlet 245 includes a first inlet 245a and a second inlet 245b spaced apart in the left-right direction. A humidifying cover 250 may be detachably coupled to the first and second inlets 245a and 245b.

The upper and lower portions of the water bottle 240 are opened to form an air passage 241a. Air discharged from the blowing device flows in the air passage 241a, and air may flow upward along the air passage 241a. The air passage 241a may be configured to have a narrower width as it goes upward. In addition, the air passage 241a may be disposed between the first and second inlets 245a and 245b.

The water storage tank 231 is coupled to the lower side of the water tank 240. For example, an upper portion of the water reservoir 231 may be inserted into the lower portion of the water tank 240 such that the lower edge of the water tank 240 is disposed outside the upper edge of the water reservoir 231.

The reservoir 231 may be configured such that the upper and lower openings form an air passage, and a reservoir storage space 231a is disposed outside. That is, the storage tank storage space 231a may be arranged to surround the air passage 231b of the storage tank 231. The air flow path 241a of the water tank 240 may be referred to as a “water flow path” and the air flow path 231b of the water storage tank 231 may be referred to as a “water storage flow path”. In addition, the water stored in the water tank 240 may drop into the water storage tank 231 and be stored in the water storage space 231a.

A humidifying medium 235 is provided in the water storage tank 231. The humidifying medium 235 may be made of a material that is easily absorbed by water. For example, the humidification medium 235 may be composed of fibers or synthetic fibers in which a plurality of through holes are formed. Air may flow through the plurality of through holes.

The humidification medium 235 is disposed to be immersed in the water of the reservoir storage space 231a, and may be disposed to cover the air passage 231b. When a part of the humidifying medium 235 is wetted with water, diffusion of water may be achieved to the entire part of the humidifying medium 235. In addition, air flowing upward through the air passage 231b may be humidified by the humidifying medium 235.

The humidifying device 230 further includes a humidifying cover 250 that is detachably provided on the upper side of the water bottle 240. An open water inlet 245 is formed at an upper end of the water bottle 240, and the humidifying cover 250 can be configured to open and close the water inlet 245.

When the humidification cover 250 is separated, the user can supply water to the water bottle 240. Then, the air passing through the blower is humidified while passing through the humidifying medium 235, and the humidified air flows upward and flows into the upper body 300 side.

In detail, the humidification cover 250 may cover the water inlets 245a and 245b of the water bottle 240. The humidification cover 250 is supported by the second case 220 and may be configured to shield at least a portion of the opened upper portion of the second case 220. The water inlets 245a and 245b of the water bottle 240 may be disposed at positions corresponding to the upper ends of the second case 220.

The humidifying cover 250 includes a first cover 251 and a second cover 255 that is detachably coupled to the first cover 251. The first cover 251 includes a ring-shaped cover body and a shield 252b covering the first water inlet 245a or the second water inlet 2435b. The shielding portion 252b extends from the cover body toward the center of the first cover 251 and may have a semicircular shape. The cover body and the shield 252b may be integrally configured.

The second cover 255 may have an approximately semi-circular shape. In one example, the second cover 255 may be similar to the shape of the shield 252b.

In the humidification cover 250, an air flow path 250a communicating with the water flow path 241a of the water bottle 240 is formed. The air flow path 250a may be referred to as a “cover flow path”. The cover flow path 250a is formed at a central portion of the humidifying cover 250, and the shielding portion 252b and the second cover 255 may be located on both sides of the cover flow path 250a. That is, the cover flow path 250a may be formed between the shield 252b and the second cover 255.

The shield 252b shields any one of the first and second inlets 245a and 245b, and the second cover 255 may be disposed to shield the other.

A water bottle coupling portion 328 of the discharge device 310 may be coupled to the cover flow path 250a. Air flowing upward through the cover flow path 250a may be introduced into the discharge device 310 through the water bottle coupling part 328.

The cases 210 and 220 form an outer appearance of the lower body 200 and may be disposed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the inner case 265.

The upper body 300 is coupled to the upper side of the lower body 200. The upper body 300 may be detachably coupled to the upper side of the humidifying device 230. The upper body 300 is coupled to the lower body 200 and can rotate together in the left and right directions.

The upper body 300 includes a discharge device 310 for discharging the air passing through the humidifier 230 from the air cleaner 10. In addition, the discharge device 310 may include a heating device for performing a warm air function. A heater 450 may be included in the heating device. In addition, the upper body 300 further includes a display unit 380 coupled to the discharge device 310.

In detail, the discharge device 310 includes a discharge body 320 forming a discharge flow path 350 (see FIG. 12) of air that has passed through the humidifying device 230. The discharge flow path may be defined as an internal space of the discharge body 320.

The discharge body 320 includes two discharge parts 320a and 320b extending in the vertical direction. The two discharge parts 320a and 320b include a first discharge part 320a disposed on one side of the upper end of the lower body 200 and a second discharge part 320b disposed on the other side of the upper end of the lower body 200. ) Is included.

Discharge holes 325 are formed in the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b, respectively. In addition, a plurality of discharge holes 325 may be provided in the first and second discharge portions 320a and 320b, respectively, and may be arranged in the vertical direction.

The discharge body 320 further includes a discharge connection part 320c connecting the lower portions of the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b. The discharge connection portion 320c may extend in a horizontal direction from a lower portion of the first discharge portion 320a toward a lower portion of the second discharge portion 320b. In addition, a water bottle coupling part 328 coupled to the water bottle 240 of the humidifying device 230 may be provided in the discharge body 320. The water bottle coupling part 328 extends downward from the discharge connection part 320c and may communicate with the air passage 241a of the water bottle 240.

The discharge main body 320 may have a bent shape by the configuration of the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b and the discharge connection part 320c. In one example, it may be configured to have a U shape.

6 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a discharge device and a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal configuration of a discharge unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 and 7, the upper body 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge device 310 is provided with a discharge body 320 and coupled to the discharge device 310 and the air purifier (10) ) Includes a display unit 380 for displaying operation information.

The discharge body 320 includes first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b extending in the vertical direction. The first and second discharge portions 320a and 320b are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the display portion 380 is disposed between the first and second discharge portions 320a320b.

On the front surfaces of the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b, discharge holes 325 for discharging air may be respectively formed. The discharge hole 325 may have a slit shape, and a plurality of discharge holes 325 may be aligned.

The discharge body 320 further includes a discharge connection part 320c connecting the lower portions of the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b. By the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b and the discharge connection parts 320c, the discharge body 320 is configured to have a bent shape, for example, a U shape.

In the lower portion of the discharge connection portion 320c, a water bottle coupling portion 328 coupled to the water bottle 240 protrudes. The water bottle coupling part 328 extends downward through the cover flow passage 250a and is inserted into the space between the first and second inlets 245a and 245b, and can be coupled to the water bottle body 241. . That is, the water bottle coupling portion 328 may be coupled to the water bottle flow path 241a.

A discharge flow path 350 through which air flows is formed in the discharge body 320. The discharge flow path 350 includes a first discharge flow path 351 formed at a front lower portion of the discharge body 320 and a second discharge flow path 355 formed at a rear lower portion and a third discharge flow path formed at a front upper portion ( 359) (see FIG. 13).

A heater assembly 400 may be installed in the first and second discharge passages 351 and 355. In detail, a first heater assembly 400a may be installed in the first discharge channel 351, and a second heater assembly 400b may be installed in the second discharge channel 355.

The discharge body 320 may be configured by combining two parts (321,322). The two parts 321 and 322 include a first part 321 forming the discharge hole 325 and a second part 322 coupled to a rear side of the first part 321. The inner spaces of the first and second parts 321 and 322 form the discharge passage 350. In addition, the first and second parts 321 and 322 may be configured to each have a U shape. The discharge body 320 further includes an upper cover 370 coupled to the upper portions of the first and second parts 321 and 322.

The first part 321 extends in the vertical direction and connects lower portions of the first and second extended portions 321b and 321c and the first and second extended portions 321b and 321c spaced apart from each other, and extends in the horizontal direction. The third extension 321d is included. By the configuration of the first to third extension parts 321b, 321c, and 321d, the upper portion may have an open U shape.

The first part 321 further includes a first coupling bracket 328a extending downwardly of the third extension 321d. The first coupling bracket 328a constitutes a front portion of the water bottle coupling portion 328.

A first heater assembly 400a is installed under the first part 321. In detail, a first recess 321a in which the first heater assembly 400a is installed may be formed in the first part 321. The first recessed portion 321a is configured to be recessed forward from the rear surface of the first part 321. That is, the first recessed portion 321a may be understood to be recessed forward from the rear surface of the first to third extended portions 321b, 321c, and 321d.

The first heater assembly 400a may be located above the water bottle connection part 328 and at the front bottom of the discharge body 320. The heater 450 provided in the first heater assembly 400a is formed of a planar heater, and may have a U shape bent corresponding to the shape of the first part 321.

In the second part 322, fourth and fifth extensions 322b and 322c extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other, and a sixth extension connecting the lower portions of the fourth and fifth extensions 322b and 322c (322d) is included. By the configuration of the fourth to sixth extensions 322b, 322c, and 322d, the upper portion may have an open U shape.

The second part 322 further includes a second coupling bracket 328b extending downwardly of the sixth extension 322d. The second coupling bracket 328b constitutes a rear portion of the water bottle coupling portion 328. In addition, the second part 322 further includes a display support portion 329 protruding upward from the upper portion of the sixth extension portion 322d. The display support part 329 may support a lower side of the display part 380. Although not shown in the drawing, the display support part 329 may also be provided under the first part 321.

A second heater assembly 400b is installed under the second part 322. In detail, a second depression 322a in which the second heater assembly 400b is installed may be formed in the second part 322. The second recessed portion 322a is configured to be recessed from the front to the rear of the second part 321. That is, the second recessed portion 322a may be understood to be recessed forward from the rear of the fourth to sixth extended portions 322b, 322c, and 322d.

The second heater assembly 400b may be located above the water bottle connection part 328 and below the discharge body 320. The heater 450 provided in the second heater assembly 400b is formed of a planar heater, and may have a U shape bent corresponding to the shape of the second part 322. The heater 450 provided in the first heater assembly 400a may be referred to as a “first heater” and the heater 450 provided in the second heater assembly 400b may be referred to as a “second heater”.

A flow guide 340 may be provided inside the discharge body 320 to guide the discharge of air that has passed through the first and second heater assemblies 400a and 400b. In detail, in the flow guide 340, a first flow guide 341 installed in the first part 321 and guiding heated air passing through the first heater assembly 400a toward the discharge hole 325 side Is included. The first flow guide 341 may be coupled to the front portion of the discharge body 320.

The first flow guide 341 may be disposed above the first heater assembly 400a. In addition, the first flow guide 341 is disposed at a height of the central portion of the discharge body 320.

In addition, the first flow guide 341 may function to divide the air flow path in the discharge body 320 into a first discharge flow path 351 and a second discharge flow path 355. The second discharge flow path 355 may be disposed behind the first discharge flow path 351, and the first flow guide 341 may be disposed between the first and second discharge flow paths 351 and 355.

The first discharge flow path 351 is a flow path through which the air passing through the first heater assembly 400a flows, and the second discharge flow path 355 flows through the second heater assembly 400b. It can be understood as a flow path. However, the first and second discharge passages 351 and 355 may communicate with each other.

A plurality of the first flow guides 341 may be provided, and may be respectively disposed on the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b. For example, one of the plurality of first flow guides 341 is installed in the first extension portion 321b of the first part 321, and the other is a second extension portion of the first part 321. It can be installed in (321c).

Then, the first flow guide 341, the first guide body of the plate extending in the vertical direction and the first guide body extending roundly forward from the first guide body to guide the air toward the front side of the discharge body 320 A bent portion 341a is included (see Fig. 13).

The flow guide 340 includes a second flow guide 342 installed in the second part 322 and guiding heated air passing through the second heater assembly 400b toward the discharge hole 325. do. The second flow guide 342 is coupled to the rear portion of the discharge body 320 and may be located behind the third discharge flow path 359.

The second flow guide 342 is located above the first flow guide 341 and may be positioned relatively rearward compared to the second flow guide 342. In addition, the second flow guide 342 may be configured to shield an upper space of the second discharge flow path 355.

A plurality of the second flow guides 342 may be provided, and may be respectively disposed on the first and second discharge parts 320a and 320b. In one example, one of the plurality of second flow guides 342 is installed in the fourth extension 322b of the second part 322, and the other is a fifth extension of the second part 322. (322c).

The second flow guide 342 may have a bar shape. In detail, the second flow guide 342 includes a second guide body having a bar shape extending in the vertical direction and a second guide body extending roundly forward from the second guide body to guide air toward the front side of the discharge body 320. Two bent portions 342a are included (see FIG. 13).

Hereinafter, the configuration of the heater assembly will be described in more detail.

8 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a view showing a configuration of a metal sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention It is a sectional view showing the configuration of the assembly, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an “A” portion of FIG. 10.

7 to 11, the heater assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed under the discharge body 320. In the heater assembly 400, a first heater assembly 400a disposed in the front portion of the discharge body 320 and including a first heater and a second heater assembly disposed in the rear portion and including a second heater ( 400b). Since the configurations of the first and second heater assemblies 400a and 400b are the same, a description will be mainly focused on the configuration of the first heater assembly 400a, and the description of the first heater assembly 400a may include a second heater assembly ( 400b).

The first heater assembly 400a includes a heater 450. The heater 450 may include a planar heater. The heater 450 may have a hexahedral shape with a small thickness.

The heater 450 may have a bent shape corresponding to the shape of the discharge body 320. As an example, the heater 450 may have a U shape. The heater 450 is connected to a lower portion of the first and second heating units 451 and 453 extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart in the left and right directions, and a third heating element extending in the left and right directions while connecting the lower portions of the first and second heating units 451 and 453. Part 455 is included.

The planar heater has a characteristic in that the heat generation temperature is higher while the heat transfer area is smaller than that of the conventional PTC heater. Therefore, a structure capable of increasing the heat transfer area and a structure capable of performing heat insulation on surrounding structures may be required.

The first heater assembly 400a may further include a heat transfer device that transfers heat generated by the heater 450 and performs heat insulation on surrounding structures. A plurality of the heat transfer devices may be provided, and the plurality of heat transfer devices may be disposed on the first heat generating part 451 and the second heat generating part 453 of the heater 450.

The heat transfer device includes a metal sheet 460 for increasing the heat transfer area and a heat insulating material for performing heat insulation (405, see FIG. 13).

In detail, the heat transfer device further includes a metal sheet 460 disposed to surround the outer surface of the heater 450 and having a relatively high heat transfer coefficient. For example, the metal sheet 460 may include an aluminum sheet. In addition, the metal sheet 460 may be disposed to be in contact with the outer surface of the heater 450.

The metal sheet 460 has a bent shape and may be configured to cover the outer surface of the heater 450. In detail, the metal sheet 460 includes a first sheet part 461 covering the front surface of the heater 450 and second and third sheet parts extending rearward from both sides of the first sheet part 461 ( 463,465). The second and third sheet portions 463 and 465 may cover side surfaces.

The first seat portion 461 may contact the front surface of the heater 450, and the second and third seat portions 463 and 465 may contact the side surface of the heater 450. By the configuration of the first to third sheet portions 461,463,465, the metal sheet 460 may have a bent shape.

In the case of the second heater assembly 460a, the first seat portion 461 covers the rear surface of the heater 450 (second heater), and the second and third seat portions 463 and 465 are the first seat portion 461. It can be understood to extend forward from both sides of the.

The metal sheet 460 includes a fourth sheet portion 467 extending in the left and right directions from the second sheet portion 463 and a fifth sheet portion 469 extending in the left and right directions from the third sheet portion 465. ) Is included. By the configuration of the second and third sheet portions 463 and 467 and the fourth and fifth sheet portions 465 and 469, the metal sheet 460 may have a bent shape once again. The first to fifth sheet portions may be integrally formed.

The fifth seat part 469 may be located between the rear surface of the heater 450 and the fourth seat part 467. In addition, the fourth sheet portion 467 and the fifth sheet portion 469 may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the heater 450.

In detail, the length L 1 of the second sheet portion 363 in the front-rear direction may be longer than the length L 2 of the third sheet portion 465. Accordingly, a distance d1 from the fourth seat portion 467 to the rear surface of the heater 450 is a distance d2 from the fifth seat portion 469 to the rear surface of the heater 450. ).

In addition, the fourth sheet portion 467 and the fifth sheet portion 469 may be spaced apart by a separation distance d3 set in the front-rear direction. The spaced distances d1, d2, and d3 may in turn be referred to as "first to third distances".

According to this configuration, the metal sheet 460 covers the circumference of the heater 450, and in particular, has a structure in which two sheet portions 467 and 469 are stacked behind the heater 450, thereby providing a heat transfer area. Can be increased.

In addition, by forming the first to third separation distances d1, d2, and d3, the inner space formed by the metal sheet 460 may be opened to the outside (the second heater assembly side), so that the heater 450 Heat generated in) is not only in the interior space, but can be easily transferred to the outside.

The metal sheet 460 may be formed relatively thin. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the metal sheet 460 from acting as an obstacle to air flow passing around the heater 450. For example, the thickness of the first to fifth sheet parts constituting the metal sheet 460 may be the same, and the thickness may form about 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm.

The heat transfer device further includes a heat insulating material 405 disposed outside the heater 450. The insulating material 405 may be made of a styrofoam or compressed styrofoam material.

The heat insulating material 405 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the metal sheet 460. In detail, the heat insulating material 405 may be disposed to surround the first to third sheet portions 461, 463, and 465 of the metal sheet 460.

The heat insulating material 405 includes a plurality of heat insulating materials. In detail, in the plurality of heat insulating materials, between the front surface of the first heat insulating material 410 and the first heat insulating material 410 and the front surface of the heater 450 having a bent shape to surround the front and side surfaces of the heater 450. The second and third insulation materials 420 and 430 are disposed.

In the first heat insulating material 410, a first heat insulating part 411 that forms a front surface and extends in the vertical direction and a second and third heat insulating parts 413 and 415 that extend rearward from both sides of the first heat insulating part 411 Is included. The cross-section of the first to third insulating parts 411, 413, and 415 may have a shape bent in a “c” shape.

The second and third insulating materials 420 and 430 may be installed on the rear surface of the first insulating part 411. Each of the second and third insulating materials 420 and 430 may have a quadrangular flat plate shape and may have the same shape. In addition, the second and third insulating materials 420 and 430 may be sequentially stacked on the rear surface of the first insulating part 411.

The first to third heat insulating materials 410, 420, and 430 may be formed relatively thinly. For example, the first to third insulating materials 410, 420, and 430 may have a thickness of about 1 mm. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the size of the discharge body 320 from being unnecessarily increased by the first to third heat insulating materials 410,420,430. And, considering the size of the set discharge body 320, it is possible to prevent the discharge flow path 350 from being narrowed by the volume occupied by the first to third heat insulating materials 410,420,430.

In addition, a relatively thick heat insulating layer is formed on the front of the heater 450 by the first to third heat insulating materials 410, 420 and 430, so that the heat of the heater 450 is the surface of the discharge body 320 or the discharge body 320 ) Can be prevented from being transmitted directly to the front. Therefore, use stability can be secured.

12 is a bottom view showing the configuration of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII' of FIG. 6.

12 and 13, inside the discharge body 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a flow path of air passing through the heater assembly 400, that is, a discharge flow path 350 is formed. The discharge flow path 350 extends upward from the water bottle coupling portion 328, and it can be understood that the heater assembly 400 is installed in the discharge flow path 350.

In the discharge flow path 350, the first and second discharge flow paths 351 and 355 divided into front and rear by the first flow guide 341 and the third discharge flow path 359 formed above the second discharge flow path 355 ) Is included.

And, in the discharge flow path 350, a spacer 357 is formed between the upper end of the first flow guide 341 and the lower end of the second flow guide 342. The separation portion 357 communicates with the second discharge flow path 355 and the third discharge flow path 355, and bends forward from the second discharge flow path 355 toward the third discharge flow path 359. The room can be understood as a "connection euro".

The air in the second discharge passage 355 flows to the front upper portion of the discharge body 320 while passing through the spacer 357 and flows through the third discharge passage 359. And, the air flowing through the third discharge passage 359 may be guided by the second bent portion 342a and flow forward. In addition, the air may be guided to a discharge hole 325 positioned at an upper portion among the plurality of discharge holes 325.

14A to 14B are views schematically showing a configuration of a heater assembly according to the prior art, and FIG. 14C is a view schematically showing a configuration of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The effect of the heater assembly 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention, that is, an experiment was performed to confirm the warm air and heat insulation effect. 14A and 14B are experimental conditions that can be compared with the present invention as a control, and FIG. 14C is a structure of a heater assembly according to this embodiment. The experimental results are shown in [Table 1] below.

Experiment result Case 1 (Figure 14a) Case 2 (FIG. 14B) Case 3 (Figure 14c) Warm air effect (temperature rise) 5℃ 5.4℃ 6.4℃ Insulation effect (side temperature of the discharge body) 99℃ 88℃ 47℃

In Table 1, the "warm air effect" indicates a "temperature increase" at a position spaced apart by a set distance in front of the discharge body 310 after the heater is driven. In addition, the "insulation effect" refers to the "side temperature value" on the side of the discharge main body 320 having little effect on the discharge air flow. Therefore, it can be understood that the higher the "temperature increase", the better the warm air effect, and the lower the "side temperature value", the better the heat insulation effect.

Case 1 shows a structure in which only two insulation materials I1 and I2 are arranged in front of the heater H, in which case the temperature rise value is 5°C and the "side temperature value" indicates 99°C.

Case 2 shows a structure in which one heat insulating material I1 is disposed in front of the heater H and a metal sheet S is disposed between the heat insulating material I1 and the heater H, in which case the temperature rises The value is 5.4°C and the "side temperature value" indicates 88°C.

Case 3 is a structure according to the present embodiment, in which three insulation materials I1+I2+I3 are arranged in front of the heater H, and between the front surface of the heater H and the insulation materials I1+I2+I3. It shows a structure in which the first sheet portion S1 of the metal sheet 460 is disposed and the third and fourth sheet portions S2 and S3 are sequentially disposed behind the heater H. In this case the temperature rise in this case is 6.4°C and the "side temperature value" indicates 47°C.

In summary, it can be seen that the warm air and heat insulation effect of Case 3 employing the structure according to the present embodiment is superior to Case 1,2.

15 is a cross-sectional view showing air flow in a humidifying air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

15, the air flow in the air purifier 10 will be described. When the fan 280 is driven, air is sucked into the lower body 200 through the suction unit 212 formed at the bottom of the air cleaner 10. The inhaled air may flow upward and enter the bottom surface of the filter 270 and be discharged through the upper surface.

The air discharged from the filter 270 is sucked into the shroud 260, passes through the fan 280, and passes through the holder 284 and the diffuser 286. The air discharged from the diffuser 286 flows upwardly through the reservoir passage 231b and the bucket passage 241a of the humidifier 230. Then, the air discharged from the humidifying device 230 flows into the discharge body 320 through the water bottle connection portion 328 of the discharge device 310.

The air may be heated while passing through the heaters 450 of the first and second heater assemblies 400a and 400b disposed at the front and rear parts of the discharge body 320. In this process, the heat emitted from the heater 450 is transferred by the metal sheet 460 and can be insulated outside by the heat insulating materials 410,420,430.

The heated air may be branched to the first and second discharge flow paths 351 and 355 formed in front and rear of the first flow guide 341 to flow. In detail, the air flowing through the first discharge flow path 351 is guided by the first flow guide 341 to the discharge hole 325, and the air flowing through the second discharge flow path 355 is spaced apart. The third discharge flow path 359 may flow while being bent forward through the portion 357. In addition, the air in the third discharge flow path 359 may be guided by the second flow guide 342 to be guided to the discharge hole 325.

By this action, four functions of blowing, air cleaning, humidifying and warm air can be selectively performed.

10: air purifier 100: base
200: lower body 210,220: case
230: humidifier 231: water storage tank
240: bucket 250: humidification cover
260: shroud 265: inner case
270: filter 280: fan
284: Holder 286: Diffuser
300: upper body 310: discharge device
320: discharge body 340: flow guide
351,355,359: Discharge path 400: Heater assembly
410,420,430: insulation 450: heater
460: metal sheet

Claims (15)

An air cleaner comprising a lower body having a case forming a suction part and an upper body coupled to an upper side of the lower body and having a discharge hole,
The lower body is provided with a filter installed at the bottom of the case and a blower disposed at the outlet side of the filter,
In the upper body,
A discharge body having a discharge flow path of air passing through the blower and having a front surface through which a discharge hole is formed;
A planar heater disposed in the discharge flow path;
A metal sheet disposed to surround the outer surface of the planar heater; And
Insulating material disposed on the outside of the metal sheet is included,
In the planar heater,
First and second heating units extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart in the horizontal direction; And
A humidifying air cleaner including a third heating unit connecting the lower portions of the first and second heating units. According to claim 1,
The metal sheet,
A first sheet portion covering the front surface of the planar heater; And
A humidifying air purifier extending from both sides of the first sheet portion to the rear and including a second and third sheet portion covering a side surface of the planar heater. According to claim 2,
The metal sheet,
A fourth sheet portion extending in a horizontal direction from the second sheet portion; And
A humidifying air cleaner further comprising a fifth sheet portion extending in a horizontal direction from the third sheet portion. The method of claim 3,
The fifth seat portion is a humidifying air purifier located between the back of the heater and the fourth sheet portion. The method of claim 4,
The humidifying air purifier having a length (L1) in the front-rear direction of the second sheet portion longer than a length (L2) of the third sheet portion. The method of claim 3,
The fourth sheet part and the fifth sheet part are humidified air purifiers spaced apart from the rear surface of the heater. The method of claim 6,
The humidified air purifier is formed to have a greater distance (d1) from the fourth seat to the rear of the heater than the distance (d2) from the fifth seat to the rear of the heater. The method of claim 7,
The humidifying air purifier spaced apart by a distance (d3) set in the front and rear directions of the fourth and fifth sheet portions. According to claim 1,
The metal sheet is a humidifying air purifier in contact with the front and side of the heater. According to claim 1,
The metal sheet, a humidifying air purifier containing an aluminum sheet. According to claim 1,
The heat insulating material,
A first heat insulating material covering the front of the heater; And
A humidifying air cleaner comprising a second heat insulating material disposed between the first heat insulating material and the metal sheet. The method of claim 11,
The heat insulating material,
A third insulating material disposed in front of the metal sheet is further included,
The second and third heat insulating materials are humidified air purifiers stacked in front and rear. delete According to claim 1,
The metal sheet and the heat insulator are humidifying air cleaners provided in the first and second heating units. According to claim 1,
The planar heater, the metal sheet and the heat insulating material constitute a heater assembly,
The heater assembly,
A first heater assembly disposed on the front portion of the discharge body; And
A humidifying air cleaner comprising a second heater assembly disposed at a rear portion of the discharge body.

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