KR102386443B1 - Air cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air cleaner which comprises: a housing having an inlet opening through which external air is introduced, a discharge opening through which the air is discharged to the outside, and an internal flow passage connecting the inlet opening and the discharge opening; and a photocatalyst module having a filter assembly coated with a photocatalyst on at least a portion thereof, a light emitter providing excitation light for activating the photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst, and a fixing bracket fixing the filter assembly and the light emitter to the internal flow passage so that the excitation light emitted from the light emitter is radiated to a predetermined position of the filter assembly, wherein the filter assembly has a hollow photocatalyst filter having a bypass hole formed in the center thereof, and a filter guide accommodating the photocatalyst filter so that the air passes through the photocatalyst filter and some of the air selectively passes through the bypass hole, and coupled to the fixing bracket. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the dust collection performance of a dust collection filter due to the photocatalyst filter.

Description

Air cleaning apparatus

The present invention relates to an air purifier.

An air purifier is a device for improving indoor air quality by inhaling and purifying indoor air polluted by dust and other contaminants, and then discharging the purified air into the room.

In general, an air purifier includes a filter that purifies air by collecting contaminants contained in air, a blower fan that provides suction power for sucking indoor air, and a blower that discharges the air purified by the filter back into the room. It includes a driving motor that rotates and drives the fan, and a housing in which various parts included in the air purifier such as the filter, the blowing fan, and the driving motor are installed.

In general, an air purifier is produced by a photochemical reaction between a dust collection filter that collects and removes dust and foreign substances contained in air, and a photocatalyst activated by ultraviolet rays and other excitation light, in order to collect and sterilize air. It includes a photocatalytic filter that sterilizes and deodorizes air using the radicals.

However, the conventional air purifier has a problem in that the dust collecting performance of the dust collecting filter is deteriorated as the flow resistance to air is increased due to the photocatalytic filter. On the other hand, in the conventional air purifier, the photocatalytic filter is fixedly installed inside the air purifier in a non-detachable form. Accordingly, in the conventional air purifier, the sterilization and deodorization performance of the photocatalyst filter is deteriorated because the excitation light is not smoothly irradiated to the photocatalyst coated on the photocatalyst filter due to dust and other foreign substances accumulated in the photocatalyst filter, and the air purifier As the flow resistance to air gradually increased according to the usage time of the device, the deterioration of the dust collecting performance of the dust collecting filter due to the photocatalytic filter was deepened.

An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air purifier with an improved structure so that the deterioration of the dust collecting performance of the dust collecting filter due to the photocatalytic filter can be minimized.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide an air purifier with an improved structure so that the photocatalytic filter can be separated and maintained.

An air purifier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems, an inlet opening through which external air is introduced, an outlet opening through which the air is discharged to the outside, and connecting the inlet opening and the outlet opening a housing having an internal flow path; and a filter assembly coated with a photocatalyst on at least a portion thereof, a light emitter providing excitation light for activating a photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst, and the excitation light emitted from the light emitter is irradiated to a predetermined position of the filter assembly, the and a photocatalyst module having a filter assembly and a fixing bracket for fixing the light emitter to the inner flow path, respectively, wherein the filter assembly includes a hollow photocatalytic filter having a bypass hole formed in the center, and the air passing through the photocatalyst filter The photocatalytic filter is accommodated so that any part of the air passes through the bypass hole selectively, and has a filter guide coupled to the fixing bracket.

Preferably, the photocatalytic filter has an annular ring shape or a polygonal ring shape.

Preferably, the filter assembly is coupled to the fixing bracket so as to be positioned on the opposite side of the discharge opening with respect to the light emitter.

Preferably, the filter guide has a through hole that coincides with the bypass hole and a communication hole that communicates with the photocatalytic filter.

Preferably, the fixing bracket has a filter insertion hole into which at least a portion of the filter assembly is inserted so that air flowing from the inlet opening toward the outlet opening passes through the filter assembly.

Preferably, the photocatalyst module has a smaller size than the inlet opening so that it can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inner passage through the inlet opening, and the filter guide is separably into the filter insertion hole. are combined

Preferably, the filter guide has a locking rib protruding from the outer circumferential surface to face the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole, and the fixing bracket includes a locking groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole so that the locking rib is separably caught. have

Preferably, the filter guide further includes a coupling hook protruding from an outer circumferential surface, and the fixing bracket further has a hook groove formed on an inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole so that the hook is hook-coupled.

Preferably, the hook and the hook groove are provided so that, in a state in which the locking rib is caught in the locking hole, the coupling hook can be hook-coupled to the hook groove or the coupling hook can be separated from the hook groove.

Preferably, the filter guide has a protruding rib protruding from an outer circumferential surface in the thickness direction of the photocatalytic filter, and the fixing bracket engages the protruding rib when the filter assembly is inserted into the filter insertion hole by a predetermined depth. It has a stopper protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole as much as possible.

Preferably, the filter guide, at least a portion of which is coated with the photocatalyst, further has an inlet grill installed in the through hole.

Preferably, the light emitter includes a hollow substrate having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the photocatalytic filter and coupled to the fixing bracket to face the photocatalytic filter, and a predetermined surface of the substrate facing the photocatalytic filter. It has at least one light emitting element mounted at an interval and irradiating excitation light to the photocatalytic filter.

Preferably, the fixing bracket includes a first fixing bracket to which the light emitter is coupled, a first fixing bracket fixed to the housing, and the filter assembly, and the first fixing bracket so that the filter assembly and the light emitter are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. It has a second fixing bracket coupled to.

Preferably, the first fixing bracket has a light emitter guide having a fitting groove formed on one surface into which the light emitter is detachably fitted.

Preferably, the housing further includes a first part having a bracket seating groove in which one surface of the first fixing bracket is seated, and a module insertion hole into which at least a portion of the second fixing bracket is inserted.

Preferably, the first fixing bracket has an alignment groove recessed in the other surface of the first fixing bracket, and the housing further includes a second part having an alignment protrusion inserted into the alignment groove.

Preferably, the inlet opening is formed on at least one surface of a side surface and a lower surface of the housing, and the discharge opening is formed on an upper surface of the housing.

Preferably, it is installed in the inner flow path, further comprising a dust collecting filter for collecting foreign substances contained in the air introduced into the inner channel through the inlet opening, the photocatalyst module, between the dust collecting filter and the outlet opening It is installed in the inner flow path so as to be located.

Preferably, the method further includes a blowing unit installed in the inner flow path to be positioned between the photocatalyst module and the discharge opening, and blowing the air received in the inner flow path from the inlet opening toward the discharge opening.

The air purifier according to the present invention has the following effects.

First, in the present invention, a hollow-shaped photocatalyst module having a bypass hole formed in the center is applied to the photocatalyst module, and some of the air reaching the photocatalyst module passes through the photocatalytic filter and the other part passes through the bypass hole. Through this, the present invention can reduce the flow resistance of air due to the photocatalytic filter, thereby preventing the dust collecting performance of the dust collecting filter from being deteriorated due to the photocatalytic filter.

Second, the present invention applies a photocatalyst module in which a photocatalytic filter and a light emitting device are integrated, but by introducing a coupling structure capable of separably coupling the photocatalytic filter to the photocatalyst module into the photocatalyst module, the photocatalytic filter is separated from the photocatalyst module can easily perform cleaning, replacement, and other maintenance work of the photocatalytic filter in the

Third, in the present invention, the photocatalytic filter is installed so as to be located on the opposite side of the discharge opening with respect to the light emitter. Through this, according to the present invention, the excitation light emitted from the light emitter is blocked from being emitted to the outside, thereby preventing adverse effects on the user's health due to ultraviolet rays and other excitation light emitted to the outside.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an air purifier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 1;
Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view taken along line I-I of Fig. 1;
4 is a partial perspective view of the air purifier showing a state in which the photocatalyst module is mounted on the housing;
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 2 ;
6 is a perspective view of a photocatalyst module;
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly shown in Fig. 6;
8 is an exploded perspective view of the photocatalyst module shown in FIG. 6;
A partial enlarged view of the X region of FIGS. 9 and 5 .
10 is a partial enlarged view of the Y region of FIG. 5;
11 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the light emitter shown in FIG. 8;
12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the filter assembly is separated from the fixing bracket;
Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 12;
14 is a partial perspective view of the air purifier showing a state in which the photocatalyst module is separated from the housing;

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the elements from other elements, and the essence, order, or order of the elements are not limited by the terms. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present application. does not

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an air purifier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a portion for line I-I of FIG. It is a cross-sectional perspective view, and FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the air purifier showing a state in which the photocatalyst module is mounted on the housing.

1 to 3 , an air purifier 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10 having an internal flow path 10a formed therein, and external air A into an internal flow path 10a. A cover panel 20 having suction holes 22 to guide it, a dust collecting filter 30 for collecting and removing dust and other foreign substances contained in the air A guided to the internal flow path 10a, and a photocatalyst A photocatalyst module 40 for sterilizing and deodorizing the air (A) guided to the internal flow path 10a through a photochemical reaction, and a blowing unit 50 for blowing the air (A) accommodated in the internal flow path 10a and a discharge unit 60 for discharging the air A blown by the blowing unit 50 to the outside, and an input/output module 70 for inputting and outputting information, and the like.

The air purifier 1 uses the dust collecting filter 30 and the photocatalyst module 40 to collect the air (A) sucked from the outside through the suction holes 22 located on at least one side of the side and the lower surface of the housing 10 . After purification and sterilization, it is preferable to have a tower type air purifier that is discharged to the outside through the discharge holes 62b located on the upper surface of the housing 10, but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the present invention will be described with reference to the case in which the air purifier 1 is configured as a tower type air purifier.

First, the housing 10 is a device for installing and accommodating various parts included in the air purifier 1 .

The structure of the housing 10 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 10 includes a base 11 , a housing body 12 providing a space for installing and accommodating various parts, and the housing body 12 . It may include a support 13 and the like connecting the base 11 and the housing body 12 to support it.

As shown in FIG. 2 , inside the housing 10 , air A sucked from the outside through the suction holes 22 of the cover panel 20 is discharged through the discharge hole of the discharge unit 60 to be described later. An inner flow path 10a flowing toward the fields 62b is formed. In addition, the internal flow path 10a is formed in the inner space of the housing 10 partitioned by the supports 13a, and the air introduced from the outside through the suction holes 22 of the cover panel 20 (A) ) is formed in the inner space of the housing 10 partitioned by the first internal flow path 10b and the housing body 12, through which the air (A) passing through the first internal flow path 10b flows A second internal flow path 10c may be included.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the base 11 is provided to be seated on the ground installed in the air purifier 1 . In the base 11, wheels for transporting the air purifier 1 and wires and plugs for electrically connecting the air purifier 1 with an external power source may be installed.

2 and 3 , the housing body 12 constitutes a lower portion of the housing body 12, and the air (A) purified by the dust collection filter 30 in the first internal flow path 10b. to guide the air (A) introduced into the second internal flow path 10c through the first part 14 and the first part 14 to the blowing unit 50 The second part 15 installed inside the first part 14 and the third part constituting the upper part of the housing body 12 and guiding the air A blown by the blowing unit 50 to the outside Part 16 and the like may be provided.

4 , the first part 14 is formed to communicate with the first internal flow path 10b, and may have a module insertion hole 14a into which at least a portion of the photocatalyst module 40 is inserted. . Accordingly, the air A passing through the first internal flow path 10b may be introduced into the second internal flow path 10c after passing through the photocatalyst module 40 inserted into the module insertion hole 14a.

The second part 15 is inserted into the first part 14 in the height direction of the air cleaner 1 . The second part 15 has an inclined structure in which the diameter gradually decreases toward the blowing unit 50 . Through this, the second part 15 may guide the air A that has passed through the photocatalyst module 40 to the blowing unit 50 .

In addition, the second part 15 may have a motor bracket 15a on which a driving motor 54 of the blowing unit 50 to be described later is mounted. The motor bracket 15a may be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the second part 15 by the coupling rib 15b.

The third part 16 is coupled to the first part 14 in the height direction of the air cleaner 1 . The third part 16 may have a discharge opening 16a for discharging the air A blown by the blowing unit 50 to the outside. Further, the third part 16 has a shape corresponding to the blowing unit 50 so as to surround the blowing unit 50 . For example, an inclined surface 16b whose diameter gradually increases toward the discharge opening 16a may be formed in the lower portion of the third part 16 . The third part 16 may guide the air A blown by the blowing unit 50 to the outside through the discharge opening 16a.

A support 13 is provided between the base 11 and the first part 14 to support the housing body 12 . The number of installations of the supports 13 is not particularly limited, and a plurality of supports 13 are installed at predetermined intervals. As shown in FIG. 4 , between the supports 13 , inlet openings 13a for communicating the suction holes 22 of the cover panel 20 and the first internal flow path 10b are formed. According to these inlet openings 13a, the air (A) sucked in from the outside through the suction holes 22 of the cover panel 20 flows into the first internal flow path 10b through the inlet openings 13a. can be

Next, the cover panel 20 is a device for protecting the housing body 12 from the outside and transmitting the external air (A) to the internal flow path (10a).

3 , the cover panel 20 has a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the housing 10 so as to surround at least a portion of the housing 10 .

The number of the cover panels 20 is not particularly limited, and at least one cover panel 20 may be installed. The cover panel 20 may be detachably mounted on the outer surface of the housing 10 by a hook or other coupling member (not shown) so as to cover the inlet opening 13a from the outside of the housing 10 .

In the cover panel 20, a plurality of suction holes 22 having a predetermined size to allow air A to pass therethrough are formed to communicate with the inlet opening 13a. Then, when the blowing unit 50 is driven, a suction force is applied to the inlet opening 13a and the suction holes 22 communicating with the inlet opening 13a, and the suction holes 22 from the outside by this suction force. The air (A) sucked in may be introduced into the first internal flow path 10b through the inlet opening 13a.

Next, the dust collecting filter 30 is a device for purifying the air (A) introduced into the first internal flow path (10b).

The type of filter usable as the dust collecting filter 30 is not particularly limited, and various filters capable of collecting and removing dust and other foreign substances contained in the air A may be used as the dust collecting filter 30 . For example, the dust collection filter 30 may include at least one of an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter.

The dust collecting filter 30 has a shape that can be inserted into the first internal flow path 10b to cover the inflow opening 13a from the inside of the supports 13 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the first internal flow path 10b has a cylindrical shape, the dust collecting filter 30 has a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter corresponding to the diameter of the first internal flow path 10b. can have Then, as shown in FIG. 2 , the air A introduced into the first internal flow path 10b through the inlet opening 13a essentially passes through the dust collecting filter 30 . Through this, the dust collection filter 30 may collect foreign substances included in the air A introduced into the first internal flow path 10b and purify the air A introduced into the first internal flow path 10b. .

Next, the photocatalyst module 40 is a device for sterilizing and deodorizing the air A that has passed through the first internal flow path 10b by using the photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst.

The structure of the photocatalyst module 40 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the photocatalyst module 40 is an excitation for activating a photochemical reaction of the filter assembly 41 coated on at least a portion of the photocatalyst and the photocatalyst coated on the filter assembly 41 . The filter assembly 41 and the light emitter 42 are arranged such that the light emitter 42 providing light UV and the excitation light UV emitted from the light emitter 42 are irradiated to a predetermined position of the filter assembly 41 . Each of the fixing brackets 43 fixed to the inner flow path 10a may be provided.

An installation position of the photocatalyst module 40 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the photocatalyst module 40 is installed to be positioned between the dust collecting filter 30 and the blowing unit 50 . In particular, the filter assembly 41 is installed to be positioned on the opposite side of the discharge opening 16a with respect to the light emitter 42, and the light emitter 42 is positioned toward the filter assembly 41 located on the half side of the discharge opening 16a as described above. It is installed to irradiate excitation light (UV). According to the positional relationship between the filter assembly 41 and the light emitter 42 , the excitation light UV emitted from the light emitter 41 is blocked from being emitted to the outside through the discharge opening 16a, so that the air purifier 1 is It is possible to prevent adverse effects on the user's health due to the excitation light (UV) emitted to the outside of the .

3 and 4 , the photocatalyst module 40 is configured such that the air (A) purified by the dust collecting filter 30 in the first internal flow path 10b passes through the filter assembly 41 first. At least a portion may be inserted into the module insertion hole 14a of the part 14 . Then, the air (A) purified by the dust collecting filter 30 in the first internal flow path 10b may be sterilized and deodorized by the photocatalyst module 40 and then introduced into the second internal flow path 10c.

Further details of the photocatalyst module 40 will be described later.

Next, the blowing unit 50 is a device for providing a flow force for forcibly flowing the air (A) accommodated in the internal flow path (10a).

The structure of the blowing unit 50 is not specifically limited. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the blowing unit 50 includes a blowing fan 52 provided to blow the air A accommodated in the internal flow path 10a and the blowing fan 52 . It may be provided with a driving motor 54 and the like for rotationally driving the .

The blowing unit 50 is installed in the second internal flow path 10c so as to be positioned between the photocatalyst module 40 and the discharge opening 16a. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the air purifier 1 is configured as a tower-type air purifier, the blowing unit 50 is positioned above the photocatalyst module 40, the second internal flow path ( 10c) is installed.

The kind of fan that can be used as the blowing fan 52 is not particularly limited. For example, the blower fan 52 may be configured as a turbofan that radially discharges the air (A) sucked in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 3 , such a blower fan 52 radially discharges air (A) blown by a plurality of blades 52a and the blades 52a installed at predetermined intervals. Guide plates 52c and 52d for guiding may be provided. The number of installations of the guide plates 52c and 52d is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the blowing fan 52 includes a first guide plate 52c provided to cover the upper side of the blades 52a, and the lower side of the blades 52a to cover the lower side. A second guide plate 52d provided may be provided. The first guide plate 52c and the second guide plate 52d may have an inclined structure inclined toward the inner circumferential surface of the second inner flow path 10c toward the discharge opening 16a.

The driving motor 54 is located between the blowing fan 52 and the inlet opening 13a, more specifically, between the blowing fan 52 and the photocatalyst module 40, but the shaft 54a is toward the outlet opening 16a. It is installed in the second internal flow path 10c so as to protrude. In addition, the driving motor 54 is preferably provided to have a smaller area than the blowing fan 52 so as to be covered by the blowing fan 52 when the blowing fan 52 is viewed from the discharge opening 16a side. The shaft 54a is axially coupled to the shaft hole 52b of the blowing fan 52 so as to provide a driving force to the blowing fan 52 . In addition, a separation prevention cap 56 for preventing the blower fan 52 from being separated from the shaft 54a may be mounted at an end of the shaft 54a through the shaft hole 52b.

The drive motor 54 rotates and drives the blower fan 52 in a predetermined direction so that the air A accommodated in the internal flow path 10a is forced to flow from the inlet opening 13a side toward the outlet opening 16a side. do. Then, a suction force for sucking the external air (A) is applied to the inlet opening (13a) and the suction holes (22) communicating with the inlet opening (13a), and the air blown by the blower fan (52) (A) ) is blown toward the discharge opening 16a and then discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 60 . Through this, the blowing fan 52 may forcibly circulate the air A between the indoor space in which the air purifier 1 is installed and the air purifier 1 .

Next, the discharge unit 60 is a device for discharging the air A blown by the blowing fan 52 to the outside.

The structure of the discharge unit 60 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the discharge unit 60 may include a discharge grill 62 , a guide vane 64 , an auxiliary grill 66 , and the like.

The discharge grill 62 discharges the air A that has reached the discharge opening 16a to the outside, and contaminants and other liquid or solid external objects enter the internal flow path 10a through the discharge opening 16a. It is designed to prevent inflow. In addition, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the discharge grill 62, the module seating groove (62a) in which the input/output module 70 is seated, and the air (A) reaching the discharge opening (16a) to the outside It may have discharge holes 62b for discharging to the air.

The guide vane 64 may be composed of a plurality of vane blades that deliver the air A blown by the blowing fan 52 to the discharge grill 62 in a predetermined manner.

The auxiliary grill 66 is provided to prevent a residue of an external object passing through the discharge grill 62 from flowing into the internal flow path 10a. To this end, the auxiliary grill 66 may have a plurality of through-holes having a relatively smaller size than the discharge holes 62b of the discharge grill 62 .

Next, the input/output module 70 is a device for controlling the air purifier 1 or inputting and outputting various types of information for displaying the driving state of the air purifier 1 .

The input/output module 70 is preferably provided so that it can be detachably seated in the seating groove of the discharge grill 62 . Then, the input/output module 70 can be stored in a state seated on the discharge grill 62 when the air A is purified using the air purifier 1, and the components installed in the second internal flow path 10c When cleaning, replacement, or other reasons that require opening of the discharge opening 16a occur, it may be separated from the discharge grill 62 so as not to interfere with the discharge grill 62 .

The structure of the input/output module 70 is not particularly limited. For example, the input/output module 70 may include an input member (not shown) for inputting information, an output member (not shown) configured to output information, and the like.

Information that can be input using the input member is not particularly limited. For example, the input member may be provided to input a control signal for controlling the driving of the air purifier 1 and various other information to the controller.

The structure of the input member is not particularly limited. For example, the input member may include at least one button and a touch screen.

Information that can be output using the output member is not particularly limited. For example, the output member may be provided to output the driving state of the air purifier 1 , the indoor environment in which the air purifier 1 is installed, and other various information.

The structure of the output member is not particularly limited. For example, the output member may have a display for outputting an image of information, a speaker for outputting audio information, and the like. In particular, when the input member is a touch screen, the input member and the output member are preferably provided integrally, but is not limited thereto.

5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the photocatalyst module.

The photocatalyst module 40 is installed in the housing body 12 so as to be positioned between the dust collecting filter 30 and the blowing unit 50 . For example, referring to FIG. 5 , the filter assembly 41 is inserted into the module insertion hole 14a of the first part 14 in a state detachably coupled to the fixing bracket 43 , and the light emitter 42 . is coupled to the fixing bracket 43 to irradiate the excitation light UV to the filter assembly 41 . In addition, a part of the fixing bracket 43 is fixed to the housing body 12 by being interposed between the first part 14 and the second part 15 , and the other part of the fixing bracket 43 is the filter assembly 41 . ) is inserted into the module insertion hole 14a of the first part 14 in a state of supporting it.

In order to install the photocatalyst module 40 as described above, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the filter assembly 41 includes a photocatalytic filter 44 and a filter guide 45 in which the photocatalytic filter 44 is accommodated. can have the back. Correspondingly, the fixing bracket 43 includes a first fixing bracket 48 to which the light emitter 42 is coupled, and interposed between the first part 14 and the second part 15 to be fixed to the housing body 12 . ) and the filter guide 45 of the filter assembly 41 are coupled, and the photocatalytic filter 44 and the light emitter 42 of the filter assembly 41 are coupled to the first fixing bracket 48 so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. It may have a second fixing bracket 49 and the like.

The photocatalyst module 40 receives the air A that has passed through the dust collecting filter 30 , and preferably has a shape corresponding to the dust collecting filter 30 . For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , when the dust collecting filter 30 has a cylindrical shape, the photocatalyst module 40 may have a disk shape.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly shown in FIG. 6 ;

As shown in FIG. 7 , the photocatalytic filter 44 preferably has an annular annular shape in which a bypass hole 44a is formed in the center. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the photocatalytic filter 44 may have a polygonal annular shape in which a bypass hole 44a is formed in the central portion. As such, as the photocatalytic filter 44 has a hollow annular shape, some of the air A reaching the photocatalyst module 40 from the first internal flow path 10b passes through the photocatalytic filter 44 and other Some are selectively passed through the bypass hole (44a).

Meanwhile, although the photocatalytic filter 44 has been described as having a ring shape, it is not limited thereto. That is, the photocatalytic filter 44 may have a disk shape in which the bypass hole 44a is omitted. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described on the basis that the photocatalytic filter 44 has an annular ring shape.

The size of the photocatalytic filter 44 is not particularly limited, and the photocatalytic filter 44 is accommodated in the filter guide 45 and is inserted into the module insertion hole 14a of the first part 14 to be described later. It has an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the hole 14a by a predetermined ratio. In addition, the photocatalytic filter 44 is configured so that a predetermined ratio of air A among the air A reaching the photocatalytic module 40 from the first internal flow path 10b can pass through the bypass hole 44a. It has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter by a predetermined ratio.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7 , the photocatalytic filter 44 may be composed of a plurality of unit filters separated from each other. When the photocatalytic filter 44 has an annular disk shape, each of the unit filters may have an arc shape with a predetermined arc angle. These unit filters are preferably accommodated in the filter guide 45 so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined clearance gap (G). Through this, it is possible to prevent the unit filters from being changed in shape due to the unit filters coming into contact with each other.

At least a portion of the photocatalytic filter 44 may be coated with a photocatalyst. The type of photocatalyst that can be coated on the photocatalytic filter 44 is not particularly limited. For example, zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium sulfide (CdS), titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), etc. may be used as the photocatalyst.

Titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) does not change even when it receives light, so it can be used semi-permanently, and the photocatalyst is preferably made of titanium dioxide. On the other hand, zinc oxide (ZnO) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) have a disadvantage that the catalyst itself is decomposed while absorbing light, and thus has a relatively short lifespan as a photocatalyst.

As the photocatalyst is coated on the photocatalyst filter 44, excitation light (UV) emitted from the light emitter 42 is irradiated to the photocatalyst filter 44 to activate the photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst, and oxygen (O) in the air (A) ₂ ) and water vapor (H ₂ O) generate ozone (O ₂ ) and hydroxyl radicals (hydroxyl groups, OH radicals, hydroxy radicals). The hydroxyl radicals generated in this way are mixed with the air (A) passing through the photocatalytic filter 44 and the bypass hole 44a and then decompose the pollutants and odor substances contained in the air (A), so that the air (A) Can perform sterilization and deodorization for Since the above-described process of generating hydroxyl radicals and sterilizing and deodorizing actions are well known, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The filter guide 45 is a member for accommodating the photocatalytic filter 44 so that the photocatalytic filter 44 maintains a predetermined shape. The structure of the filter guide 45 is not specifically limited. For example, the filter guide 45 may be composed of a pair of parts having a structure compatible with each other, such as the first filter guide 46 and the second filter guide 47 .

The first filter guide 46 is a member for accommodating the upper portion of the photocatalytic filter 44 . The first filter guide 46 has a shape corresponding to the photocatalytic filter 44 . For example, when the photocatalytic filter 44 has an annular disc shape, the first filter guide 46 may have an annular disc shape. In this case, the first filter guide 46 has a predetermined ratio compared to the outer diameter and inner diameter of the photocatalytic filter 44 so that the upper portion of the photocatalytic filter 44 can be accommodated inside the first filter guide 46 . It can have an outer diameter and an inner diameter as large as

In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the first filter guide 46, the first through hole (46a), the first communication hole (46b), the first coupling hook (46c), and the second coupling hook It may have a (46d), a locking rib (46e), a first support rib (46f), and the like.

The first through hole 46a is formed to coincide with the bypass hole 44a of the photocatalytic filter 44 at the center of the first filter guide 46 . The first communication hole 46b is formed in a region facing the photocatalytic filter 44 in the thickness direction of the first filter guide 46 to communicate with the photocatalytic filter 44 .

The first coupling hook 46c is formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the first filter guide 46 . The second coupling hook 46d is formed to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the first filter guide 46 .

The locking rib 46e is formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the first filter guide 46 so as to protrude toward the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole 49a of the second fixing bracket 49 to be described later. The first support ribs 46f are formed to protrude from the lower surface of the first filter guide 46 at the same arc angle as the arc angles of the unit filters so as to be inserted into the gap G between the unit filters by a predetermined depth.

At least a portion of the first filter guide 46 may be coated with a photocatalyst. Then, as a photochemical reaction occurs in the photocatalyst coated on the first filter guide 46 , the sterilization and deodorization efficiency of the air A may be improved.

The second filter guide 47 is a member for accommodating the lower portion of the photocatalytic filter 44 . The second filter guide 47 has a shape corresponding to the photocatalytic filter 44 . For example, when the photocatalytic filter 44 has an annular disc shape, the second filter guide 47 may have an annular disc shape. In this case, the second filter guide 47 has a predetermined ratio compared to the outer diameter and inner diameter of the photocatalytic filter 44 so that the lower portion of the photocatalytic filter 44 can be accommodated inside the second filter guide 47 . It can have an outer diameter and an inner diameter as large as

In addition, the second filter guide 47 includes a second through hole 47a, a second communication hole 47b, an inlet grill 47c, a first protruding rib 47d, and a second protruding rib ( 47f), a third coupling hook 47h, a bolt hole 47i, and a second support rib 47j may be provided.

The second through hole 47a is formed in the center of the second filter guide 47 to coincide with the bypass hole 44a of the photocatalytic filter 44 . The second communication hole 47b is formed in a region facing the photocatalytic filter 44 in the thickness direction of the second filter guide 47 to communicate with the photocatalytic filter 44 . The inlet grill 47c is formed in the second through hole 47a to have a grid structure or a radial structure.

The first protruding rib 47d is formed to protrude toward the discharge opening 16a on the outer circumferential surface of the second filter guide 47, and a first coupling hook 46c may be hook-coupled to this first protruding rib 47d. A first hook groove (47e) is formed. The second protruding rib 47f is formed to protrude toward the discharge opening 16a on the inner circumferential surface of the second filter guide 47, and a second coupling hook 46d may be hook-coupled to this second protruding rib 47f. A second hook groove (47g) is formed. These first protruding ribs 47d and second protruding ribs 47f have the first coupling hooks 46c and the second coupling hooks 46d in the first hook grooves 47e and the second hook grooves. In order to be hook-coupled to the 47g at the same time, the first coupling hooks 46c and the second coupling hooks 46d are formed with the same spacing as the formation spacing.

The third coupling hook (47h) is formed to protrude toward the discharge opening (16a) on the outer peripheral surface of the second filter guide (47). The bolt hole 47i is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second filter guide 47 . The second support rib 47j is formed to protrude from the upper surface of the second filter guide 47 with an arc gap corresponding to the arc angle of the unit filter so as to be inserted into the gap G between the unit filters.

At least a portion of the second filter guide 47 may be coated with a photocatalyst. In particular, it is preferable that at least a portion of the inlet grill 47c with a relatively large surface area in contact with the air A is coated with a photocatalyst. Then, as a photochemical reaction occurs in the photocatalyst coated on the second filter guide 47 , the sterilization and deodorization efficiency of the air A may be improved.

As the first filter guide 46 and the second filter guide 47 are provided as described above, the first filter guide 46 and the second filter guide 47 are connected to the coupling hooks 46c and 46d and the hook groove. They may be coupled to each other by hook coupling of the ones 47e and 47g. In addition, the photocatalytic filter 44 may be accommodated in the inner space of the filter guide 45 formed by matching the first filter guide 46 and the second filter guide 47 .

8 is an exploded perspective view of the photocatalyst module shown in FIG. 6 , a partial enlarged view of the X region of FIGS. 9 and 5 , FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of the Y region of FIG. 5 , and FIG. 11 is FIG. It is a perspective view showing the bottom of the light emitter shown in .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the first fixing bracket 48 may include a bracket body 48a, a light emitter guide 48b, and the like.

The bracket body 48a has a shape corresponding to the photocatalytic filter 44 . For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the photocatalytic filter 44 has an annular disc shape, the bracket body 48a has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the filter guide 45 by a predetermined ratio. It may have an annular disk shape.

In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the bracket body (48a) may have a first bolt hole (48c) formed on the outer peripheral surface. It is preferable that a plurality of first bolt holes 48c be formed at a predetermined interval, but is not limited thereto.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the bracket body 48a is fixed to the housing body 12 by being interposed between the first part 14 and the second part 15 of the housing body 12 . . To this end, the first part 14 may further have a bracket seating groove 14b that is recessed so that the lower surface of the bracket body 48a is seated. In addition, the bracket body 48a may further have an alignment groove 48d that is recessed in the upper surface, and the second part 15 has an alignment groove when the second part 15 is inserted into the first part 14 . It may have an alignment protrusion 15c protruding from one surface of the second part 15 to be inserted into the 48d. These alignment grooves 48d and alignment protrusions 15c can seat the bracket body 48a in the bracket seating groove 14b in a state in which they are aligned in a predetermined alignment shape.

The light emitter guide 48b has a shape corresponding to the photocatalytic filter 44 . For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the photocatalytic filter 44 has an annular disc shape, the light emitter guide 48b has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the photocatalytic filter 44 by a predetermined ratio and a photocatalyst It may have an annular disc shape having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the filter 44 by a predetermined ratio.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the light emitter guide 48b is provided with the bracket body 48a so as to face the photocatalytic filter 44 when the filter assembly 41 is coupled to the second fixing bracket 49 . ) is placed in the center of the To this end, the bracket body 48a may further include a plurality of fixing ribs 48e installed at predetermined intervals to fix the light emitter guide 48b to the bracket body 48a. In addition, in the interval between the fixing ribs 48e, passage holes 48f through which the air A transmitted from the filter assembly 41 may pass may be formed.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the light emitter guide 48b may have a fitting groove 48g that is concave in its lower surface facing the photocatalytic filter 44 . Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the light emitter 42 is mounted at a predetermined interval on one surface of the substrate 42a separably fitted into the fitting groove 48g and the substrate 42a. , a light emitting device 42b emitting excitation light (UV) to activate a photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst, and a connection terminal 42c for electrically connecting the substrate 42a and an external power source, and the like.

11 , the substrate 42a has a shape corresponding to that of the light emitter guide 48b. For example, when the light emitter guide 48b has an annular disc shape, the fitting groove 48g formed on the lower surface of the light emitter guide 48b also has an annular disc shape, the substrate 42a is It may have an annular disc shape that can be fitted into the fitting groove (48g). In particular, the substrate 42a is preferably provided so as to be separably fitted into the fitting groove 48g, and through this, the substrate 42a is separated from the light emitter guide 48b, and then the light emitting element 42b, etc. Repair, replacement, and other maintenance work for parts of the light emitter 42 can be easily performed.

The light emitting element 42b is preferably provided to emit ultraviolet rays having a sterilizing effect by itself as excitation light (UV), but is not limited thereto. For example, the light emitting device 42b may be provided to emit light of various wavelengths capable of activating a photochemical reaction of a photocatalyst in addition to ultraviolet light. The light emitting device 42b is preferably composed of a light emitting diode, but is not limited thereto.

As the light emitter 42 is provided as above, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the substrate 42a of the light emitter 42 is fitted so that the light emitting elements 42b and the photocatalytic filter 44 face each other. It is detachably fitted into the groove (48g). Then, the excitation light UV emitted from the light emitting elements 42b is irradiated to the filter assembly 41 fixed to the second fixing bracket 49 , and the photocatalyst coated on the filter assembly 41 is excitation light (UV). ), a photochemical reaction is activated to generate hydroxyl radicals.

8, the second fixing bracket 49 includes a filter insertion hole 49a, a second bolt hole 49b, a locking groove 49c, a third hook groove 49d, It may have a rib groove (49f) or the like.

The second fixing bracket 49 has a shape corresponding to the photocatalytic filter 44 . For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the photocatalytic filter 44 has an annular disk shape, the second fixing bracket 49 is the same as the outer diameter of the filter guide 45 or the filter guide 45 . It may have an annular disk shape having an inner diameter that is large by a predetermined ratio compared to the outer diameter of .

9 and 10, the second fixing bracket 49 is a predetermined reference distance between the photocatalytic filter 44 accommodated in the filter guide 45 and the light emitter 42 coupled to the light emitter guide 48b. arranged to be spaced apart. The reference distance is preferably set so that the excitation light UV emitted from the light emitting element 42b can be intensively irradiated to the photocatalytic filter 44 . Then, the excitation light UV is intensively irradiated to the photocatalytic filter 44 having a relatively large surface area compared to the filter guide 45 , thereby further activating the photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst.

The filter insertion hole 49a corresponds to a hollow formed in the center of the second fixing bracket 49 in the thickness direction of the photocatalytic filter 44 . The filter assembly 41 may be inserted into the filter insertion hole 49a so that the outer circumferential surface of the filter guide 45 faces the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole 49a.

The second bolt hole 49b is formed on the upper surface of the second fixing bracket 49 so as to be matched with the first bolt hole 48c of the first fixing bracket 48 . The number of the second bolt holes 49b is the same as the number of the first bolt holes 48c. For example, when the plurality of first bolt holes 48c are formed, the number of second bolt holes 49b equal to the number of the first bolt holes 48c is formed in the first bolt holes ( 48c) may be formed at the same interval as the formation interval.

As the bolt holes 48c and 49b are provided in the fixing brackets 48 and 48 as described above, the first fixing bracket ( 48) and the second fixing bracket 49, by fastening the bolts to the first bolt holes 48c and the second bolt holes 49b coincident with each other in a state where the first fixing bracket 48 and the second fixing bracket 49 are arranged. 2 The fixing bracket 49 can be combined. Then, the second fixing bracket 49 and the filter assembly 41 coupled to the second fixing bracket 49 are supported by the first fixing bracket 48 at a predetermined position of the second internal flow path 10c. can be fixed to

As shown in FIG. 8 , the locking groove 49c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole 49a so that the locking rib 46e of the first filter guide 46 can be inserted. In particular, as shown in Fig. 10, the engaging groove 49c is formed to have a predetermined depth so that the engaging rib 46e inserted into the engaging groove 49c can be caught on the inner circumferential surface of the engaging groove 49c. do.

The third hook groove 49d is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole 49a so that the third coupling hook 47h of the second filter guide 47 can be hook-coupled. As shown in FIG. 8 , a locking protrusion 49e for engaging the third coupling hook 47h inserted into the third hook groove 49d is protruded from the inner circumferential surface of the third hook groove 49d. Then, as the third coupling hook 47h inserted into the third hook groove 49d is caught by the locking protrusion 49e, the third coupling hook 47h may be hook-coupled to the third hook groove 49d. .

The third hook groove (49d) and the third coupling hook (47h) are, in a state in which the locking rib (46e) is caught in the locking groove (49c), the third coupling hook (47h) to the third hook groove (49d) It is preferable to be provided so as to be coupled to the hook or to separate the third coupling hook (47h) from the third hook groove (49d). To this end, at least one of the third hook groove 49d and the third coupling hook 47h may be provided to be elastically deformable.

The rib groove 49f is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole 49a so that the first protruding rib 47d of the second filter guide 47 can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 9 , a stopper 49g may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rib groove 49f. The stopper 49g is formed so that the upper end of the first protruding rib 47d is caught in the thickness direction of the photocatalytic filter 44 when the filter assembly 41 is inserted into the filter insertion hole 49a by a predetermined depth. The stopper 49g may limit the insertion depth of the filter assembly 41 so that the filter assembly 41 is not over-inserted into the filter insertion hole 49a beyond the predetermined depth.

According to this second fixing bracket 49, when the filter assembly 41 is inserted into the filter insertion hole 49a, the locking rib 46e is caught in the locking groove 49c, and the third coupling hook 47h is A hook is coupled to the third hook groove 49d, through which the filter assembly 41 may be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole 49a. As the filter assembly 41 is installed in this way, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , in a state in which the excitation light UV emitted from the light emitting element 42b is irradiated to the filter assembly 41 , the first interior After being purified by the dust collecting filter 30 in the flow path 10b, the air A reaching the filter assembly 41 passes through the filter assembly 41 and then flows into the second internal flow path 10c. Then, in the photocatalyst coated on the filter assembly 41, a photochemical reaction is activated by excitation light (UV), and the air (A) passing through the filter assembly 41 is sterilized and sterilized by the hydroxyl radical generated by the photochemical reaction. is deodorized

On the other hand, the dust collection performance of the dust collecting filter 30 is affected by the flow resistance against the air A flowing along the internal flow path 10a, and the photocatalytic filter 44 is installed along the internal flow path 10a When the flow resistance of the flowing air (A) increases, there is a fear that the dust collecting performance of the dust collecting filter (30) is reduced. However, the photocatalytic filter 44 of the filter assembly 41 has an annular ring shape in which a bypass hole 44a is formed in the center. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , a part of the air A that has reached the filter assembly 41 passes through the photocatalytic filter 44 and the other part passes through the bypass hole 44a. do. Therefore, when applied to the photocatalyst module 40 having an annular annular shape, compared to the case where a general disk-shaped photocatalytic filter in which the bypass hole 44a is not formed is applied to the photocatalyst module 40, the photocatalytic filter 44 ) can reduce the increase in flow resistance caused by Through this, the photocatalytic filter 44 may minimize the deterioration of the dust collecting performance of the dust collecting filter 30 due to the photocatalytic filter 44 .

In addition, in the second through hole 47a of the second filter guide 47 formed to coincide with the bypass hole 44a, the inlet grill 47c coated with the photocatalyst is air (A) passing through the bypass hole 44a. ) is installed so as to be in contact with According to this inlet grill 47c, the reduction in the amount of hydroxyl radical generated by applying the photocatalyst filter 44 having an annular ring shape to the photocatalyst module 40 can be supplemented, so that sterilization and deodorization of air (A) It is possible to stably secure an appropriate level of hydroxyl radical generation.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the filter assembly is separated from the fixing bracket, FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the air purifier showing a state in which the photocatalyst module is separated from the housing.

As described above, at least one of the third hook groove 49d and the third coupling hook 47h removes the third coupling hook 47h while the locking rib 46e is caught in the locking groove 49c. In order to be hook-coupled to the third hook groove (49d) or to separate the third coupling hook (47h) from the third hook groove (49d), it may be provided to be elastically deformable. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , when the filter assembly 41 is separated from the filter insertion hole 49a, the cover panel 20 and the dust collection filter 30 are separated from the housing 10 to separate the filter In a state in which the filter assembly 41 coupled to the insertion hole 49a is exposed to the outside through the inlet opening 13a, the third coupling hook 47h is preferentially separated from the third hook groove 49d. Next, by tilting the filter assembly 41 around the locking rib 46e caught in the locking groove 49c, and then withdrawing the locking rib 46e from the locking groove 49c, the filter assembly 41 is removed. It can be separated from the filter insertion hole (49a). 14, the filter assembly 41 separated from the filter insertion hole 49a can be drawn out of the housing 10 through the inlet opening 13a, and through this, the filter assembly 41 In a state in which is withdrawn to the outside, cleaning and replacement of the photocatalytic filter 44 and other maintenance operations of the filter assembly 41 can be easily performed.

Meanwhile, when the filter assembly 41 is coupled to the filter insertion hole 49a, the separation process of the filter assembly 41 described above may be reversed to couple the filter assembly 41 to the filter insertion hole 49a. . That is, when coupling the filter assembly 41 to the filter insertion hole 49a, the locking rib 46e is first inserted into the locking groove 49c, and then the third coupling hook 47h is inserted into the third hook groove 49d. By hook-coupled to the filter assembly 41 may be coupled to the filter insertion hole (49a).

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1: Air purifier
10: housing
10a: internal flow
10b: first internal flow path
10c: second internal flow path
11: base
12: housing body
13: support
13a: inlet opening
14: first part
14a: module insertion hole
14b: bracket seating groove
15: second part
15a: motor bracket
15b: bonding ribs
15c: alignment protrusion
16: the third part
16a: exhaust opening
16b: slope
20: cover panel
22: suction hole
30: dust filter
40: photocatalyst module
41 filter assembly
42: light emitter
42a: substrate
42b: light emitting element
42c: terminal
43: fixed bracket
44: photocatalytic filter
44a: bypass hole
45: filter guide
46: first filter guide
46a: first through hole
46b: first communication hole
46c: first coupling hook
46d: second coupling hook
46e: jamming rib
46f: first support rib
47: second filter guide
47a: second through hole
47b: second communication hole
47c : Inlet Grill
47d: first protruding rib
47e: first hook groove
47f: second protruding rib
47g: second hook groove
47h: third coupling hook
47i: bolt hole
47j: second support rib
48: first fixing bracket
48a: bracket body
48b: light emitter guide
48c: first bolt hole
48d: alignment groove
48e : fixed rib
48f : Euro Hall
48g : Fitting groove
49: second fixing bracket
49a: filter insertion hole
49b: second bolt hole
49c: jamming groove
49d: third hook groove
49e: snag
49f: rib home
49g: stopper
50: blowing unit
52: blow fan
52a: blade
52b: shaft hole
52c: first guide plate
52d: second guide plate
54: drive motor
54a: shaft
56: anti-separation cap
60: discharge unit
62: discharge grill
62a: module seating groove
62b: discharge hole
64: guide vanes
66: auxiliary grill
70: input/output module
A: Air
UV: excitation light

Claims (19)

a housing having an inlet opening through which external air is introduced, an outlet opening through which the air is discharged to the outside, and an internal flow path connecting the inlet opening and the outlet opening; and
A filter assembly coated with a photocatalyst on at least a portion thereof, a light emitter providing excitation light for activating a photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst, and the excitation light emitted from the light emitter is irradiated to a predetermined position of the filter assembly, the filter Comprising a photocatalyst module having a fixing bracket for fixing the assembly and the light emitter to the internal passage, respectively,
The filter assembly includes a hollow-shaped photocatalyst filter having a bypass hole formed in the center thereof, and the photocatalytic filter is accommodated so that the air passes through the photocatalytic filter, but any part of the air selectively passes through the bypass hole, An air purifier having a filter guide coupled to the fixing bracket. According to claim 1,
The photocatalytic filter has an annular annular shape or a polygonal annular annular shape. According to claim 1,
The filter assembly is coupled to the fixing bracket so as to be positioned on the opposite side of the discharge opening with respect to the light emitter. According to claim 1,
The filter guide may include a through hole that coincides with the bypass hole and a communication hole that communicates with the photocatalytic filter. According to claim 1,
The fixing bracket may have a filter insertion hole into which at least a portion of the filter assembly is inserted so that air flowing from the inlet opening toward the outlet opening passes through the filter assembly. 6. The method of claim 5,
The photocatalyst module has a smaller size than the inlet opening so that it can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inner passage through the inlet opening,
The filter guide is detachably coupled to the filter insertion hole, the air purifier. 7. The method of claim 6,
The filter guide has a locking rib protruding from the outer circumferential surface to face the inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole,
The fixing bracket has a locking groove formed on an inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole so that the locking rib is separably engaged. 8. The method of claim 7,
The filter guide further has a coupling hook protruding from the outer circumferential surface,
The fixing bracket further has a hook groove formed on an inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole so that the hook is hook-coupled to the hook. 9. The method of claim 8,
The hook and the hook groove are provided to hook the coupling hook to the hook groove or to separate the coupling hook from the hook groove in a state in which the locking rib is caught in the locking groove. 7. The method of claim 6,
The filter guide has a protruding rib formed to protrude in the thickness direction of the photocatalytic filter on an outer circumferential surface,
The fixing bracket includes a stopper protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the filter insertion hole so that the projecting rib is caught when the filter assembly is inserted into the filter insertion hole by a predetermined depth. 5. The method of claim 4,
The filter guide, at least a portion of which is coated with the photocatalyst and further has an inlet grill installed in the through hole, the air purifier. According to claim 1,
The light emitter has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the photocatalytic filter, a hollow substrate coupled to the fixing bracket to face the photocatalytic filter, and a predetermined interval on one surface of the substrate facing the photocatalytic filter Mounted, the air purifier having at least one light emitting element for irradiating excitation light to the photocatalytic filter. According to claim 1,
The fixing bracket includes a first fixing bracket to which the light emitter is coupled, a first fixing bracket fixed to the housing, and the filter assembly, and is coupled to the first fixing bracket such that the filter assembly and the light emitter are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. An air purifier having a second fixing bracket. 14. The method of claim 13,
The first fixing bracket has a light emitting guide formed on one surface of the fitting groove to which the light emitting device is detachably fitted, the air purifier. 14. The method of claim 13,
The housing further includes a first part having a bracket seating groove in which one surface of the first fixing bracket is mounted, and a module insertion hole into which at least a portion of the second fixing bracket is inserted. 16. The method of claim 15,
The first fixing bracket has an alignment groove formed in a concave shape on the other surface of the first fixing bracket,
The housing, the air cleaner further comprising a second part having an alignment protrusion inserted into the alignment groove. According to claim 1,
The inlet opening is formed on at least one surface of a side surface and a lower surface of the housing,
The discharge opening is formed in the upper surface of the housing, the air purifier. According to claim 1,
It is installed in the internal flow path, further comprising a dust collecting filter for collecting foreign substances contained in the air introduced into the internal flow path through the inlet opening,
The photocatalyst module is installed in the internal flow path to be positioned between the dust collection filter and the discharge opening, the air purifier. 19. The method of claim 18,
The air purifier further comprising: a blowing unit installed in the inner flow path to be positioned between the photocatalyst module and the discharge opening, and blowing the air accommodated in the inner flow path from the inlet opening toward the discharge opening.

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