WO2024162596A1

WO2024162596A1 - Air purifier and air purifying apparatus comprising same

Info

Publication number: WO2024162596A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/020224
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김주영; 김낙현; 김휘영; 박주완; 박창현; 이원희; 조서영; 천성현
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2023-02-01
Filing date: 2023-12-08
Publication date: 2024-08-08
Also published as: KR20240121080A

Abstract

An air purifier according to an embodiment comprises a filter assembly which removes foreign materials from air flowing in a housing and is configured to be detachably attached to an inner frame, wherein the filter assembly comprises a hermetic portion which is arranged in the inner frame to be movable in one direction, and the hermetic portion is arranged between the inner frame and the filter assembly to be supported by the upper surface of the filter assembly.

Description

Air purifier and air purifying device including same

The embodiments provide an air purifier and an air purifying device including the same.

An air purifier is a device that improves the quality of indoor air in various indoor spaces such as homes or offices. Examples include air purifiers that remove foreign substances such as fine dust through a filter.

An air purifier may include an inlet for introducing polluted indoor air, a filter for purifying the polluted indoor air, and an outlet for discharging purified air. The air purifier may be equipped with a fan for causing airflow.

An air purifier according to one embodiment may include a housing, an internal frame disposed inside the housing, a filter assembly that removes foreign substances in air introduced into the interior of the housing and is detachably mounted on the internal frame, and a sealing member that is disposed so as to be movable in one direction on the internal frame and is supported by an upper surface of the filter assembly between the internal frame and the filter assembly.

An air purifying device according to one embodiment may include an air purifier configured to remove dust from the air and an air sterilizer configured to sterilize air from which the dust has been removed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air purifier according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an air purifier according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a filter assembly separated from an air purifier according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a filter assembly of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 7, 8a and 8b are exploded perspective views of a filter assembly according to one embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a sealed portion of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

Figure 10a is a plan view of a confidential portion according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10b is a partial perspective view of a confidential portion according to one embodiment.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged drawing of a portion (A) of the confidential part according to the embodiment of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged drawing of a portion (B) of the confidential part according to the embodiment of Fig. 9.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing a state in which a sealing member is assembled in an air purifier according to one embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a sealing part is assembled in an air purifier according to one embodiment.

Figures 16 and 17 are enlarged views of parts of Figure 15.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a filter assembly enters an air purifier according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a sealing member and a filter assembly are assembled in an air purifier according to one embodiment.

Figures 20 and 21 are enlarged views of parts of Figure 19.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a filter assembly is separated from an air purifier according to one embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing an air purifying device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifying device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which a filter assembly is separated from an air purifying device according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the contents described in the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of related items or any one of a plurality of related items.

The terminology used in this application is used for the purpose of describing embodiments, and is not intended to limit and/or restrict the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The same reference numerals presented in each drawing represent elements that perform substantially the same function.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an air purifier (10) according to an example may include a housing (110) forming an exterior and an internal frame (120) provided to support various components inside the housing (110).

A first flow path (P1) is provided inside the housing (110) and can be configured to accommodate various components of the air purifier (10).

The housing (110) may include an inlet (111) and an outlet (112). The inlet (111) may be provided so that external air of the housing (110) may be introduced into the interior of the housing (110). The outlet (112) may be provided so that internal air of the housing (110) may be discharged to the exterior of the housing (110). A first flow path (P1) extending from the inlet (111) to the outlet (112) may be provided inside the housing (110).

For example, the inlet (111) may be formed at the bottom of the housing (110). The outlet (112) may be formed at the top of the housing (110). At least a portion of the first flow path (P1) may extend in the vertical direction, for example, in the Z direction. Accordingly, air introduced into the interior of the housing (110) through the inlet (111) may move upward along the first flow path (P1). However, the arrangement of the inlet (111) and the outlet (112) is not limited thereto, and may be formed at various locations.

The housing (110) may include a housing body (113), a base (114), an upper cover (115), and an exhaust cover (116). The housing body (113), the base (114), the upper cover (115), and the exhaust cover (116) may constitute a part of the exterior of the air purifier (10).

The housing body (113) can form a horizontal side of the air purifier (10). The housing body (113) can be provided to cover various components of the air purifier (10) in the horizontal direction. The housing body (113) can connect the base (114) and the upper cover (115).

The housing body (113) can extend in a direction parallel to the first filament (P1). For example, the housing body (113) can extend in a vertical direction.

The housing body (113) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with a space inside. However, the shape of the housing body (113) is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes depending on the external appearance of the air purifier (10).

The housing body (113) may be formed by dividing into a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may be disassembled and assembled. As the housing body (113) is implemented with a plurality of panels, disassembly or assembly of the housing body (113) may be facilitated. Accordingly, user accessibility to the components arranged inside the housing (110) may be improved. However, the structure of the housing body (113) is not limited thereto, and may be formed as a single component formed integrally.

The base (114) may be provided at the lower portion of the housing body (113). The base (114) may form the bottom surface of the air purifier (10). When the air purifier (10) is placed on the ground, the base (114) may support the air purifier (10). The base (114) may be coupled to the lower portion of the housing body (113).

The side surface of the base (114) has an inclined surface having a predetermined angle with one direction (Z direction) and may extend along the circumferential direction of the housing body (113). An inlet (111) may be formed on the side surface of the base (114). The inlet (111) may be arranged along the side surface of the base (114). As an example, the side surface of the base (114) may have a grill shape to facilitate the inflow and outflow of air.

The upper cover (115) and the outlet cover (116) may be provided on the upper portion of the housing body (113). The upper cover (115) and the outlet cover (116) may form the upper surface of the air purifier (10). The upper cover (115) and the outlet cover (116) may be formed to cover the internal space of the housing (110) from above. The upper cover (115) may form a part of the upper surface of the housing (110), and the outlet cover (116) may be formed to cover another part of the upper surface of the housing (110).

The exhaust cover (116) may be formed with an exhaust port (112). For example, the exhaust cover (116) may have a grill shape to facilitate the inflow and outflow of air. The grill shape may be arranged along the perimeter of the upper surface of the housing (110). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the exhaust cover (116) may have any opening shape that allows the inflow and outflow of air.

The upper cover (115) can be arranged along the perimeter of the discharge cover (116). The upper cover (115) can be joined to the edge of the discharge cover (116). The upper cover (115) can be arranged on the outside of the edge of the discharge cover (116).

According to an example, an internal frame (120) of an air purifier (10) may be provided to support various components of the air purifier (10). Components of the air purifier (10), for example, a filter assembly (200), a sealing member (300), a fan (130), etc., may be supported by the internal frame (120).

The inner frame (120) may be covered by the housing (110). For example, the inner frame (120) may be covered in a horizontal direction, for example, in the X direction and the Y direction, by the housing body (113). The inner frame (120) may be covered in a vertical direction, for example, in the downward direction in the Z direction, by the base (114). The inner frame (120) may be covered in a vertical direction, for example, in the upward direction in the Z direction, by the upper cover (115) and the outlet cover (116).

The inner frame (120) may be formed by dividing into a plurality of frames. The plurality of frames constituting the inner frame (120) may be combined with each other to form an integral inner frame (120). Accordingly, the inner frame (120) may be easily disassembled or assembled. However, the structure of the inner frame (120) is not limited thereto, and may be formed as a single integrally formed structure.

A space having a roughly cylindrical shape may be formed inside the inner frame (120). A filter assembly (200), a sealing member (300), a fan (130), etc. may be arranged in the inner space of the inner frame (120). A first flow path (P1) may be provided in the inner space of the inner frame (120). The inner frame (120) may cover the outer side of the first flow path (P1). However, the shape of the inner frame (120) is not limited thereto and may have various shapes. For example, the space to be formed inside the inner frame (120) may have a shape other than a cylindrical shape.

According to an example, a fan (130) of an air purifier (10) may be placed inside a housing (110). The fan (130) may be provided in a first flow path (P1). The fan (130) may be placed between an inlet (111) and an outlet (112). As the fan (130) rotates, a flow of air may be generated in a direction from the inlet (111) to the outlet (112). Accordingly, external air of the housing (110) may be drawn in through the inlet (111), and the drawn-in air may move along the first flow path (P1) and be discharged through the outlet (112).

The fan (130) may be configured as an axial type. The fan (130) may include a blade (131), a motor (132) that supplies power to the blade (131), and a fan rotation shaft (133) that is connected to the blade (131) and the motor (132) and transmits power generated from the motor (132) to the blade (131). However, the type and configuration of the fan (130) are not limited thereto and may be modified as needed. For example, the fan (130) may include a centrifugal type.

The fan (130) may be placed between the filter assembly (200) and the outlet (112). When the fan (130) is driven, air drawn in through the inlet (111) may sequentially pass through the filter assembly (200) and the fan (130) and be discharged through the outlet (112). However, the arrangement of the fan (130) is not limited thereto and may vary. For example, unlike the drawing, the fan (130) may be placed between the inlet (111) and the filter assembly (200).

According to an example, the filter assembly (200) of the air purifier (10) can remove foreign substances in the air that has been introduced into the interior of the housing (110). The filter assembly (200) can be provided in the first flow path (P1). When the fan (130) is driven, the air introduced through the inlet (111) moves along the first flow path (P1) and can pass through the filter assembly (200). Foreign substances in the air that has been introduced along the first flow path (P1) can be removed by the filter assembly (200). The air from which foreign substances have been removed by the filter assembly (200) can be discharged through the outlet (112).

The filter assembly (200) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the housing (110). For example, the filter assembly (200) may have a cylindrical structure. The filter assembly (200) according to an example may include an upper surface (211). The upper surface (211) of the filter assembly may include a filter surface (2110) through which air moving along the first flow path (P1) passes and a peripheral portion (2111) extending along the circumference of the filter surface (2110). The air moving along the first flow path (P1) may pass through the filter surface (2110) and flow into the outlet (112). For example, the filter surface (2110) may have a circular plate shape. In this case, the peripheral portion (2111) may have a ring shape extending along the circumference of the filter surface (2110). However, the shape of the filter assembly (200) is not limited thereto, and the shape of the filter assembly (200) may vary depending on the shape of the housing (110). The configuration of the filter assembly (200) will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

According to an example, the airtight portion (300) of the air purifier (10) can provide airtightness so that air passing through the filter assembly (200) does not leak. The airtight portion (300) can be arranged between the inner frame (120) and the filter assembly (200). The airtight portion (300) can be mounted on the inner frame (120) so as to be movable upward or downward along one direction, for example, the Z direction. The airtight portion (300) can be arranged to be supported by the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200), thereby reinforcing the airtightness of the first flow path (P1) so that air passing through the filter assembly (200) does not leak to the outside.

The sealing portion (300) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper circumference of the filter assembly (200). For example, the sealing portion (300) may have a ring shape having a hollow portion corresponding to the shape of the upper circumference of the filter assembly (200) having a cylindrical structure. However, the shape of the sealing portion (300) is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the shape of the filter assembly (200). Matters regarding the configuration of the sealing portion (300) will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

An air purifier (10) according to an example may include a control unit (140) for controlling the operation of the air purifier (10). The control unit (140) may include a printed circuit board assembly (not shown). The printed circuit board assembly may control the operation of the air purifier (10). The printed circuit board assembly may have electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board for controlling the operation of the air purifier (10). The control unit (140) may be electrically connected to various components such as a fan (130) and an electric dust collecting filter (240).

Below, the configuration of the filter assembly (200) is described.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a filter assembly (200) is separated from an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a filter assembly (200) of an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 7, 8a, and 8b are separated perspective views of a filter assembly (200) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, a filter assembly (200) according to an example may include a dust collection filter (210) and a pre-filter (220).

The pre-filter (220) may be placed in the first flow path (P1). The pre-filter (220) may be placed on the flow path toward the dust collecting filter (210). For example, the pre-filter (220) may be placed between the inlet (111) and the dust collecting filter (210) in the first flow path (P1).

The pre-filter (220) may be provided to primarily collect foreign substances in the air introduced through the inlet (111). The pre-filter (220) may separate foreign substances of relatively large size from the air. For example, the pre-filter (220) may filter out foreign substances of a first size.

The dust filter (210) may be placed in the first path (P1). The dust filter (210) may be placed between the pre-filter (220) and the fan (130). The dust filter (210) may separate foreign substances smaller than foreign substances separated by the pre-filter (220). For example, the dust filter (210) may filter out foreign substances of a second size smaller than the first size.

The dust collecting filter (210) may include an electric dust collecting filter (240) that collects pollutants using electrostatic force. When power is applied to the electric dust collecting filter (240), an electric field may be formed in the electric dust collecting filter (240). Foreign substances such as dust in the air may be collected by the electric field formed in the electric dust collecting filter (240). In addition, organic substances such as bacteria and viruses may be decomposed by the electric field formed in the electric dust collecting filter (240). That is, the electric dust collecting filter (240) may be configured to perform a dust collecting function and a sterilizing function.

The electric dust collecting filter (240) may include a charging unit (241) and a dust collecting unit (242).

The electric dust collecting filter (240) may be arranged between the pre-filter (220) and the exhaust port (112). The charging unit (241) may be provided on one side of the electric dust collecting filter (240), and the dust collecting unit (242) may be provided on the other side of the electric dust collecting filter (240). The charging unit (241) and the dust collecting unit (242) may be arranged to face each other. For example, the charging unit (241) and the dust collecting unit (242) may be arranged to face each other along one direction (Z direction). The dust collecting unit (242) may be arranged on the upper side of the electric dust collecting filter (240), and the charging unit (241) may be arranged on the lower side of the electric dust collecting filter (240). The dust collecting unit (242) may be arranged downstream of the charging unit (241) in the first flow path (P1). The dust collector (241) can be placed between the dust collector (242) and the inlet (111), and the dust collector (242) can be placed between the dust collector (241) and the outlet (112).

The charging unit (241) may be provided to charge foreign substances in the air. The charging unit (241) may be placed above the pre-filter (220) to charge foreign substances in the air that have passed through the pre-filter (220). In other words, the charging unit (241) may be placed downstream of the pre-filter (220) in the first flow path (P1).

The dust collector (242) may be provided to collect foreign substances charged by the charging unit (241). Electrodes having different polarities may be connected to the charging unit (241) and the dust collector (242), respectively. An electric field may be formed between the charging unit (241) and the dust collector (242). Foreign substances in the air charged by the charging unit (241) may be charged with the same polarity as the charging unit (241) and may be charged with the opposite polarity to the dust collector (242). Accordingly, foreign substances in the air charged by the charging unit (241) may be moved to the dust collector (242) by the electric force and captured by the dust collector (242). In addition, organic substances such as bacteria and viruses floating in the air may be decomposed by the electric force.

In the above-described example, the dust collection filter (210) was described with an example including an electric dust collection filter (240), but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and other dust collection filters may be additionally included or other dust collection filters may be included instead. For example, the dust collection filter (210) may include various filters such as a HEPA filter.

Meanwhile, the filter assembly (200) may be detachably mounted on the inner frame (120) of the air purifier (10). In addition, the air purifier (10) according to one example may selectively separate the pre-filter (220) from the air purifier (10) or separate the pre-filter (220) and the dust collecting filter (210) from the air purifier (10) at the same time. Accordingly, a user may separate the pre-filter (220) and the dust collecting filter (210) from the air purifier (10) to remove or replace foreign substances collected in at least one of the pre-filter (220) and the dust collecting filter (210) of the filter assembly (200).

Referring to FIG. 5, an inner frame (120) according to an example may include a filter mounting portion (121) for mounting a filter assembly (200). The inner frame (120) may include an opening (123) that is open to allow mounting and detachment of the filter assembly (200). As an example, the opening (123) may be arranged on one side of the inner frame (120).

The filter mounting portion (121) can support the filter assembly (200) when the filter assembly (200) is inserted and mounted into the inner frame (120). The filter mounting portion (121) can be positioned to define a portion of the opening (123) or adjacent to the opening (123). When the filter assembly (200) is inserted through the opening (123) of the inner frame (120), the filter assembly (200) can be guided in a moving path through the filter mounting portion (121). In addition, the filter assembly (200) can be supported in a final mounting position by the filter mounting portion (121).

The filter mounting portion (121) may extend in a direction parallel to the mounting direction (AX) of the filter assembly (200). During mounting or dismounting of the filter assembly (200), the filter assembly (200) may be mounted or dismounted along the filter mounting portion (121) in the mounting direction (AX) or in the direction opposite to the mounting direction (AX). The filter mounting portion (121) may guide the movement of the filter assembly (200) during mounting or dismounting of the filter assembly (200).

Through the opening (123), the filter assembly (200) inserted into the interior of the inner frame (120) can be seated at a predetermined mounting position of the inner frame (120). As an example, the filter assembly (200) can be aligned on the first flow path (P1). At this time, the center of the filter assembly (200) can be aligned with the center of the air purifier (10). The inner frame (120) and the filter assembly (200) can have a hook coupling structure configured to maintain the mounting position of the filter assembly (200) with respect to the inner frame (120). Thus, through an operation of inserting the filter assembly (200) into the inner frame (120) without a separate fastening process, the filter assembly (200) can be fixed to a predetermined mounting position inside the inner frame (120).

As an example of a hook-joining structure of the inner frame (120) and the filter assembly (200), a first fastening portion (121a) and a second fastening portion (121b) may be arranged on one of the inner frame (120) and the filter assembly (200), and a first fastening portion (2421) and a second fastening portion (232) into which the first fastening portion (121a) and the second fastening portion (121b) are inserted, respectively, may be arranged on the other of the inner frame (120) and the filter assembly (200).

For example, a first fastening portion (121a) and a second fastening portion (121b) that are elastically deformable may be arranged on the inner surface of the inner frame (120), and a first fastening portion (2421) and a second fastening portion (232) may be arranged on the outer surface of the filter assembly (200). Each of the first fastening portion (2421), the second fastening portion (232), the first fastening portion (121a), and the second fastening portion (121b) may be provided in multiple numbers and may have different heights. However, the number and arrangement of the first fastening portion (2421), the second fastening portion (232), the first fastening portion (121a), and the second fastening portion (121b) are not limited thereto, and may be variously modified.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the dust collecting filter (210) constituting the filter assembly (200) may include a filter case (230) for supporting at least a portion of the electric dust collecting filter (240). In other words, at least a portion of the electric dust collecting filter (240) may be placed in the filter case (230).

The filter case (230) of the filter assembly (200) may be configured such that at least a portion of the electric dust collecting filter (240) is detachable. For example, the charging portion (241) of the electric dust collecting filter (240) is fixed to the filter case (230), and the dust collecting portion (242) of the electric dust collecting filter (240) may be mounted and detachable from the filter case (230). Since the dust collecting portion (242) is a portion where dust is collected in the electric dust collecting filter (240), it may be periodically detached and cleaned.

The dust collector (242) may be mounted on the filter case (230) in a direction different from the mounting direction (AX) of the filter assembly (200). For example, the dust collector (242) may be mounted and separated in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (AX) of the filter assembly (200), for example, in an up-down direction (Z direction). For example, the dust collector (242) may be mounted on the filter case (230) downwardly along one direction (Z direction) and may be separated from the filter case (230) upwardly along one direction (Z direction). A mounting groove (231) in which the dust collector (242) is mounted may be provided on the filter case (230). When the dust collector (242) is mounted on the filter case (230), the edge of the dust collector (242) may be mounted on the mounting groove (231).

The pre-filter (220) can be detachably mounted on the filter assembly (200). The pre-filter (220) can be detachably mounted on the dust collection filter (210) in a direction parallel to the mounting direction (AX) of the filter assembly (200). As an example, when the dust collection filter (210) includes a filter case (230), the filter case (230) can detachably support the pre-filter (220).

To ensure that the pre-filter (220) is mounted or detached from the dust filter (210) in a certain direction, the dust filter (210) may include a guide portion (233) that guides the movement of the pre-filter (220) when the pre-filter (220) is mounted or detached.

The guide part (233) may be arranged on the inner surface of the filter case (230) of the dust collection filter (210). The guide part (233) may be arranged on both sides of the inner surface of the filter case (230) in the mounting direction of the pre-filter (220). The guide part (233) may be formed in a groove shape on the inner surface of the filter case (230). At least a part of the guide part (233) may extend along the mounting direction of the pre-filter (220).

A guide protrusion (260) inserted into a guide portion (233) may be arranged on the outer surface of the pre-filter (220). The guide protrusion (260) may be arranged on both sides in the mounting direction of the pre-filter (220). The guide protrusion (260) may protrude in a radial direction from the outer surface of the pre-filter (220).

The guide protrusion (260) may extend along the mounting direction. The guide protrusion (260) may include a front protrusion (2601) positioned forward from the guide protrusion (260) in the mounting direction, and a rear protrusion (2602) positioned rearward of the front protrusion (2601). The front protrusion (2601) may be caught by a stopper (234) described below to perform a function of limiting the movement of the guide protrusion (260), and the rear protrusion (2602) may be contacted by a guide portion (233) to perform a function of guiding the movement of the guide protrusion (260).

A stopper (234) that restricts the movement of the guide protrusion (260) may be placed on the guide portion (233). The stopper (234) may restrict the movement of the front protrusion (2601) of the guide protrusion (260). When the pre-filter (220) is inserted into the filter case (230) along the mounting direction and reaches a predetermined mounting position, the stopper (234) may restrict the movement of the guide protrusion (260) to maintain the mounting position of the pre-filter (220).

A handle (250) for separating the filter assembly (200) may be arranged in the filter case (230). The handle (250) may be provided on both sides in the mounting direction. A user can easily separate the filter assembly (200) from the inner frame (120) of the air purifier (10) by holding the handle (250) and pulling it in the opposite direction to the mounting direction.

A handle (221) may be placed on the pre-filter (220). A user can separate the pre-filter (220) from the dust collection filter (210) of the filter assembly (200) by holding the handle (221) and pulling it in the opposite direction to the mounting direction.

By means of the filter assembly (200) having the above configuration, the user can selectively separate the plurality of filters as needed. For example, the cleaning cycle of the pre-filter (220) may be shorter than the cleaning cycle of the dust collecting filter (210), and the pre-filter (220) can be selectively separated without separating the dust collecting filter (210) by pulling the handle (221) of the pre-filter (220). For example, in the case where both the dust collecting filter (210) and the pre-filter (220) are to be separated, the dust collecting filter (210) and the pre-filter (220) can be separated from the inner frame (120) at the same time by pulling the handle (250) of the dust collecting filter (210) and separating the filter assembly (200). After separating the filter assembly (200) from the inner frame (120), the user can separate the dust collecting part (242) of the dust collecting filter (210) from the filter case (230) in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the separation direction (AX) of the filter assembly (200), and pull the handle (221) of the pre-filter (220) to separate the pre-filter (220) from the filter case in a direction (X direction and Y direction) parallel to the separation direction (AX) of the filter assembly (200).

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a hook-joining structure of the filter assembly (200) and the inner frame (120) will be described. For example, the first joining portion (2421) and the second joining portion (232) arranged in the filter assembly (200) may have a hook structure, and the first fastening portion (121a) and the second fastening portion (121b) arranged in the inner frame (120) may have a groove shape. When the filter assembly (200) is mounted on the inner frame (120), the first joining portion (2421) and the second joining portion (232) arranged in the filter assembly (200) may be hook-joined with the first fastening portion (121a) and the second fastening portion (121b) arranged in the inner frame (120).

A second coupling member (232) may be arranged on the outer surface of the filter case (230). The second coupling member (232) may be arranged in an area surrounding the pre-filter (220) in the filter case (230). The first coupling member (2421) may be arranged on the outer surface of the electric dust collecting filter (240). For example, the first coupling member (2421) may be arranged on the outer surface of the dust collecting member (242) of the electric dust collecting filter (240).

The filter assembly (200) can be pressed along the mounting direction (AX) while the filter assembly (200) is inserted so as to penetrate the opening (123) of the inner frame (120). As the filter assembly (200) is pressed, the first fastening portion (121a) and the second fastening portion (121b) of the inner frame (120) can be inserted into the first fastening portion (2421) and the second fastening portion (232) provided on the outer surface of the filter assembly (200), respectively. In the process of the first fastening portion (121a) and the second fastening portion (121b) being inserted into the first fastening portion (2421) and the second fastening portion (232), respectively, the first fastening portion (121a) and the second fastening portion (121b) can be elastically deformed. Thus, the filter assembly (200) is completed mounted on the inner frame (120) and can be fixed to maintain the mounting position with respect to the inner frame (120).

Below, the configuration of the confidential section (300) is described.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a sealing part (300) of an air purifier according to one embodiment. Fig. 10a is a plan view of a sealing part (300) according to one embodiment. Fig. 10b is a partial perspective view of a sealing part (300) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 9, 10a and 10b, a sealing member (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sealing support (310) and a stopper (320).

The airtight support (310) may include a shape corresponding to the periphery (2111) of the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). As an example, the airtight support (310) may have a hollow (311) extending along one direction (Z direction). The hollow (311) included in the airtight support (310) may correspond to the filter surface (2110) provided on the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). Therefore, the first flow path (P1) may not be interfered with by the airtight support (310). For example, the airtight support (310) may include a ring shape having a hollow (311) in the center.

The airtight support (310) may be configured in consideration of the shape of the inner frame (120) on which the airtight portion (300) is mounted. One side of the airtight support (310) may have a different width from the other side. For example, one side (IS) of the airtight support (310) mounted toward the inside of the inner frame (120) may have a wider width in the radial direction than the other side (OS). One side (IS) of the airtight support (310), for example, a semicircular area of the airtight support (310) mounted toward the inside of the inner frame (120), may have a predetermined width corresponding to the periphery (2111) of the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). The semicircular region of the airtight support (310) mounted toward the other side (OS) of the airtight support (310), for example, the opening (123) of the inner frame (120), may have a width that varies along the circumference, and the portion corresponding to both sides of the opening (123) may be formed smaller than the width corresponding to the circumference (2111) of the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). However, the shape of the airtight support (310) is not limited thereto, and may be formed with a constant width along the circumference.

The sealing member (300) may be positioned on the upper portion of the filter assembly (200) such that the lower surface (312) of the sealing member (310) is in surface contact with the peripheral portion (2111) of the upper surface (211) provided in the filter assembly (200). By making surface contact with the peripheral portion (2111) of the upper surface (211) provided in the filter assembly (200) of the sealing member (310), air passing through the filter assembly (200) may pass through the discharge port (112) and be discharged to the outside of the air purifier (10). The sealing member (310) may reinforce the sealing property of the filter assembly (200) mounted on the inner frame (120) and prevent air passing through the filter assembly (200) from leaking to the outside.

The sealing member (300) can be mounted on the inner frame (120) so as to be movable in one direction (Z direction). The sealing member (300) can move downward in one direction (Z direction) by its own weight while mounted on the inner frame (120). When the sealing member (300) moves downward, the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) and the peripheral portion (2111) of the upper surface (211) provided on the filter assembly (200) can come into contact.

The stopper (320) may be arranged to be fixed to the upper portion of the airtight support (310) to limit the range of movement of the airtight support (310). The stopper (320) may be arranged to be fixed to the upper portion along the circumference of the airtight support (310). The stopper (320) according to one example may include a guide portion (322) extending from the upper portion of the airtight support (310) in one direction (Z direction) and a movement limiting portion (321) arranged at one end of the guide portion (322). The movement limiting portion (321) may include a hook shape that may be supported by a stopper engaging portion (1221) to be described later. As an example, the stopper (320) may be provided in multiple pieces. The multiple stoppers (320) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the airtight support (310). In Fig. 9, nine stoppers (320) are illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and two or more stoppers (320) may be arranged as needed.

The stopper (320) can limit the downward movement of the airtight support (310) along one direction (Z direction). When the airtight support (310) provided in the airtight section (300) is mounted on the inner frame (120) and moves downward along one direction (Z direction) due to its own weight, the stopper (320) can limit the movement of the airtight support (310), thereby maintaining the mounting position of the airtight section (300). The stopper (320) can keep the airtight section (300) from being detached from the airtight section mounting section (122) by limiting the downward movement of the airtight support (310) along one direction (Z direction). Accordingly, even when the filter assembly (200) is separated from the inner frame (120) and the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) is not supported by the filter assembly (200), the sealing portion (300) can be mounted on the sealing portion mounting portion (122).

The guide surface (330) may be arranged on one side of the confidential support (310). The guide surface (330) may include an inclined surface having a predetermined inclination angle on one side of the outer perimeter of the confidential support (310). For example, the guide surface (330) may be provided on the lower part of the outer perimeter of the confidential support (310) facing the direction of the opening (123) and mounted on the inner frame (120).

The guide surface (330) can guide the movement path of the filter assembly (200) when the filter assembly (200) moves through the opening (123) to be mounted on the inner frame (120). When the filter assembly (200) moves in the mounting direction (AX) while in contact with the guide surface (330), the filter assembly (200) can be mounted within the inner frame (120) by pushing the sealing portion (300) upward along one direction (Z direction) along the inclined surface of the guide surface (330). A method of mounting the filter assembly (200) will be described in detail later.

The protrusion (340) may be arranged on the outer surface of the airtight support (310). The protrusion (340) may extend in a direction parallel to one direction (Z direction). For example, the protrusion (340) may be arranged on the outer surface of the airtight support (310) which is mounted on the inner frame (120) and faces the opening (123). For example, the protrusion (340) may be arranged to face the stopper (320) arranged on the inner surface of the airtight support (310) so as to correspond to the stopper (320). Although three protrusions (340) are illustrated in FIG. 9, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The protrusion (340) may be implemented as one or more, and a plurality of protrusions (340) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the airtight support (310).

The protrusion (340) can prevent the stopper (320) from being separated from the sealing part mounting portion (122) when a force is applied downward in one direction (Z direction) to the sealing part (300) while the sealing part (300) is mounted on the inner frame (120). The function of the protrusion (340) will be described in detail later.

The elastic member (350) may be arranged between the sealing member (300) and the inner frame (120). The elastic member (350) may be arranged on the sealing support (310). The elastic member (350) may apply pressure to the sealing member (300) in one direction (Z direction) to reinforce the sealing property. For example, the elastic member (350) may include one or more of a tension hook (351), a spring, or a seal. However, the elastic member (350) is not limited thereto, and may include any elastic member that may apply pressure to the sealing member (300).

The elastic member (350) may include a plurality of tension hooks (351). As an example, the tension hooks (351) may be arranged on the airtight support (310) and formed to protrude upward from the airtight support (310). The tension hooks (351) may apply downward pressure to the airtight member (300) in one direction (Z direction). For example, the tension hooks (351) may apply pressure due to elasticity to the airtight member (300) in one direction (Z direction), for example, in the direction toward the filter assembly (200). As the tension hooks (351) apply pressure to the airtight member (300) in the direction toward the filter assembly (200), the airtightness between the airtight member (300) and the filter assembly (200) may be reinforced.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a part (A) of a sealing portion (300) according to the embodiment of FIG. 9, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a part (B) of a sealing portion (300) according to the embodiment of FIG. 9.

The tension hook (351) may be provided with a height corresponding to the distance between the airtight support (310) and the airtight mounting portion (122). Accordingly, each tension hook (351) may be provided with a different height depending on the position where the tension hook (351) is arranged. For example, the inner frame (120) manufactured by an injection molding method may have different thicknesses of the airtight mounting portion (122) due to the mold-drawing gradient structure. Accordingly, the distance between the airtight support (310) and the airtight mounting portion (122) may be different. For example, the height of the airtight mounting portion (122) provided on one side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed may be formed higher than the height of the airtight mounting portion (122) provided on the other side. In this case, the second height (h ₂ ) of the tension hook (351) formed on one side of the airtight support (310) mounted toward the opening (123) may be formed higher than the first height (h ₁ ) of the tension hook (351) formed on the other side. For example, the second height (h ₂ ) of the tension hook (351) formed on one side toward the opening (123) may be formed to be 5.5 mm, and the first height (h ₁ ) of the tension hook (351) formed on the other side may be formed to be 5.0 mm.

The tension hook (351) may include a protrusion (352). The protrusion (352) may be formed on the upper surface of the tension hook (351). As the sealing member (300) moves upward in one direction (Z direction) while being mounted on the inner frame (120), the protrusion (352) of the tension hook (351) comes into contact with the sealing member mounting portion (122), and the elastic force of the tension hook (351) may be applied to the sealing member (300). In FIGS. 11 and 12, only the tension hook (351) is illustrated as the elastic member (350), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A seal or a spring may be included in the elastic member (350) together with or separately from the tension hook (351).

Referring again to FIG. 9, the sealing portion (360) may be extended along the periphery of the sealing portion (300) and may be disposed at the lower portion of the sealing portion (300). The sealing portion (360) may reinforce the sealing property of the contact surface between the sealing portion (300) and the filter assembly (200). As an example, the sealing portion (360) may include at least one of a material more flexible than the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310), such as foam lex or foam PE. The sealing portion (360) may be disposed at the lower portion of the sealing portion (300) or may be omitted, as needed.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are perspective views showing a state in which a sealing member (300) is assembled in an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment.

The sealing member (300) may be mounted on the sealing member mounting member (122) positioned on the upper portion of the filter mounting member (121). As an example, the sealing member (300) may be mounted on the sealing member mounting member (122) so as to be movable upward or downward along one direction (Z direction) on the inner frame (120). The sealing member (300) may be mounted on the inner frame (120) before the filter assembly (200).

The sealing member (300) can be mounted on the sealing member mounting member (122) so that the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) faces the filter assembly (200). The sealing member (300) can be mounted on the sealing member mounting member (122) so that the downward movement range along one direction (Z direction) is limited by a stopper (320) provided on the sealing support (310).

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a sealing member (300) is assembled in an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment, and Figs. 16 and 17 are enlarged views showing a part of Fig. 15.

The sealing portion mounting portion (122) may further include a stopper engaging portion (1221). For example, in the inner frame (120) configured in a cylindrical shape, the stopper engaging portion (1221) may include a shape that protrudes inwardly along the radial direction of the sealing portion mounting portion (122). Accordingly, when the filter assembly (200) is separated from the inner frame (120), the sealing portion (300) may be mounted such that the movement restriction portion (321) provided in the stopper (320) is mounted on the stopper engaging portion (1221) provided in the sealing portion mounting portion (122).

A protrusion (340) may be arranged on the upper part of the confidential support (310) to face some stoppers (320). A movement-limiting member (321) may protrude outwardly along the radial direction of the confidential part (300) and be placed on a stopper engaging member (1221). When force is applied to the confidential part (300) in the opposite direction of the protrusion of the movement-limiting member (321) (i.e., inwardly along the radial direction of the confidential part (300), the protrusion (340) may be supported by the confidential part mounting member (122) so that the confidential part (300) may be restricted from moving inwardly along the radial direction of the confidential part (300). Accordingly, the confidential part (300) may be prevented from being separated from the confidential part mounting member (122).

The inner frame (120) is manufactured by an injection mold method, and the thickness of the sealing part mounting part (122) may be different due to the mold subtraction gradient structure. In Fig. 15, AA' is a line extending from the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) provided in the sealing part (300), and BB' is a line extending parallel to the lower surface of the sealing part mounting part (122). The lower surface of the sealing part mounting part (122) arranged on one side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed, and the lower surface of the sealing part mounting part (122) arranged on the other side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed may be arranged at different heights.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, on one side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed, the lower surface of the sealing mounting portion (122) and the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance (W ₁ ). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 17, on the other side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed, the lower surface of the sealing mounting portion (122) and the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) may be spaced apart from each other by a second distance (W ₂ ). At this time, the first distance (W ₁ ) and the second distance (W ₂ ) may be different. For example, the first distance (W ₁ ) may exceed the second distance (W ₂ ). Accordingly, the tension hook (351) formed to apply pressure toward the filter assembly (200) to the confidential support (310) as described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 may be provided at different heights.

Below, the state of the sealing part (300) according to the mounting and dismounting process of the filter assembly (200) is described.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a filter assembly (200) enters an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment.

The filter assembly (200) may include an entry guide portion (212) along the outer periphery of the upper surface (211). The entry guide portion (212) may be provided in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature on the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). The entry guide portion (212) may be provided on part or the entire upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200).

When the filter assembly (200) moves in the entry direction (AX), the entry guide part (212) of the filter assembly (200) and the guide surface (330) of the sealing part (300) may first come into contact. Then, when the filter assembly (200) further moves in the entry direction (AX), the filter assembly (200) may move along the guide surface (330) of the sealing part (300). The entry guide part (212) of the filter assembly (200) may push the sealing part (300) along the guide surface (330) to move upward in one direction (Z direction) with respect to the inner frame (120). When the filter assembly (200) moves in the entry direction (AX) so that the upper surface (211) comes into contact with the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) of the sealing portion (300), the sealing portion (300) no longer moves upward along one direction (Z direction), and the filter assembly (200) can be mounted by entering along the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310).

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a sealing member (300) and a filter assembly (200) are assembled in an air purifier according to one embodiment, and Figs. 20 and 21 are enlarged views showing a part of Fig. 19.

When the filter assembly (200) is mounted on the inner frame (120), the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310) can be in surface contact with the peripheral portion (2111) of the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). The sealing portion (300) can be supported by the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). At this time, the sealing portion (300) is positioned by moving upward in one direction (Z direction) compared to before the filter assembly (200) is mounted, and the stopper (320) can be positioned on the sealing portion mounting portion (122) without being supported by the stopper engaging portion (1221).

When the filter assembly (200) is mounted on the filter mounting portion (121) of the inner frame (120), the sealing portion (300) can provide sealing so that air passing through the filter assembly (200) does not leak by making surface contact with the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). The sealing portion (300) can provide sealing by applying pressure to the filter assembly (200) by its own weight.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, on one side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed, the airtight mounting portion (122) and the airtight support (310) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 21, on the other side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed, the airtight mounting portion (122) and the airtight support (310) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The inner frame (120) according to one example is manufactured by an injection molding method, and thus the thickness of the airtight mounting portion (122) may be different due to the mold-drawing gradient structure. Accordingly, the distance between the sealing part mounting part (122) and the sealing support (310) arranged on one side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed and the distance between the sealing part mounting part (122) and the sealing support (310) arranged on the other side where the opening (123) of the inner frame (120) is formed may be different. When an elastic part (350), for example, a tension hook (351), is arranged on the sealing part (300) illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the tension hook (351) provides an elastic force that pushes the sealing part (300) downward along one direction (Z direction) by coming into contact with the sealing part mounting part (122), thereby reinforcing the sealing property of the filter assembly (200).

In FIGS. 19 to 21, the sealing portion (360) is illustrated as being omitted, but a sealing portion (360) may be further arranged at the bottom of the sealing portion (300). When the sealing portion (360) is arranged at the bottom of the sealing portion (300), when the filter assembly (200) is mounted on the inner frame (120), the sealing portion (360) may be in surface contact with the peripheral portion (2111) of the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200). The sealing portion (300) may be supported by the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200) through the sealing portion (360). The sealing portion (360) arranged at the bottom of the sealing portion (300) may be in surface contact with the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly (200) to provide sealing so that air passing through the filter assembly (200) does not leak.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a filter assembly (200) is separated from an air purifier (10) according to one embodiment.

When the filter assembly (200) is mounted on the inner frame (120), if a force is applied in the opposite direction to the entry direction (AX) of the filter assembly (200), the filter assembly (200) can move. The filter assembly (200) can move in the opposite direction to the entry direction while the upper surface (211) rubs against the lower surface (312) of the sealing support (310). When the filter assembly (200) moves and the entry guide part (212) provided on the upper surface (211) comes into contact with the guide surface (330) of the sealing part (300), the filter assembly (200) can move so that the entry guide part (212) moves along the guide surface (330). As the entry guide part (212) moves along the guide surface (330), the sealing part (300) can move downward along one direction (Z direction). When the filter assembly (200) is completely separated from the inner frame (120), the sealing member (300) can be stopped from moving by the movement restriction member (321) provided on the stopper (320) being caught by the stopper catch member (1221) and placed in place.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an air purifying device (1000) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the air purifying device (1000) according to one embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which a filter assembly (200) is separated from the air purifying device (1000) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, the air purifying device (1000) may be a device designed to control properties of air such as temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and air flow. For example, the air purifying device (1000) may be a device for increasing the cleanliness of indoor air.

An air purifying device (1000) according to an example may include an air sterilizer (40) and an air purifier (10) according to the example described above.

The air sterilizer (40) may be configured to sterilize air taken in from the outside and discharge the sterilized air to the outside. For example, the air sterilizer (40) may include a second inlet (411) and a second outlet (412). The air sterilizer (40) may include a second flow path (P2) provided between the second inlet (411) and the second outlet (412).

The air sterilizer (40) may include a housing (410) forming an exterior and a main body module (430) at least partly disposed inside the housing (410). The main body module (430) may include an ultraviolet sterilization module (441) that generates ultraviolet rays and a second fan (450) configured to form an airflow toward the ultraviolet sterilization module (441).

The housing (410) may have a hollow structure that provides a space for accommodating at least a portion of the main body module (430). The housing (410) may have a cylindrical structure. An ultraviolet sterilization module (441) and a second fan (450) may be arranged inside the housing (410).

The housing (410) may have a length extending in a first direction (Z), for example, in the vertical direction. For example, the housing (410) may have a shape in which the length along the first direction (Z) is greater than the width along the second direction (Y) that is perpendicular to the first direction (Z). For example, the length of the housing (410) along the first direction (Z) may be at least three times and at most seven times the width of the housing (410) along the second direction (Y).

The lower portion of the housing (410) may include a second coupling portion (460). The second coupling portion (460) may be configured to be coupled with an air purifier.

The ultraviolet sterilizing module (441) may be placed on the second path (P2). The ultraviolet sterilizing module (441) may include at least one ultraviolet light source (442) provided on the second path (P2). The ultraviolet light source (442) generates ultraviolet rays and may be singular or plural.

The ultraviolet light source (442) is arranged inside the housing (410) and can sterilize air moving along the second path (P2). The ultraviolet light source (442) can irradiate ultraviolet rays to air introduced through the second inlet (411). The ultraviolet light source (442) can generate UVC to remove bacteria contained in the air. The ultraviolet light source (442) can generate light with a wavelength of 220 nm to 280 nm. The ultraviolet light source (442) can remove contaminants such as bacteria and viruses in the introduced air by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the introduced air.

The ultraviolet sterilization module (441) may include a reflective cover (443) provided to reflect ultraviolet rays irradiated from an ultraviolet light source (442). The reflective cover (443) may cover the outside of the ultraviolet light source (442). The reflective cover (443) may be provided in the second path (P2).

The reflective cover (443) may include at least a portion of a metal material so that the inner surface facing the ultraviolet light source (442) reflects ultraviolet rays. As an example, the inner surface of the reflective cover (443) may include a material having high light reflectivity. For example, the inner surface of the reflective cover (443) may be plated with a metal such as chrome. As another example, the reflective cover (443) may be formed entirely of a plate made of a metal material having high light reflectivity, including the inner surface.

The reflective cover (443) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the multiple reflective covers (443) may each cover the outer side of the ultraviolet light source (442). For example, some of the multiple reflective covers (443) may cover one side of the ultraviolet light source (442), and other of the multiple reflective covers (443) may cover the other side of the ultraviolet light source (442). However, the shape and number of the reflective covers (443) are not limited thereto, and may be variously modified so as to reflect ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source (442). For example, the reflective cover (443) may be provided in single numbers. For example, the reflective cover (443) may be manufactured by bending a single plate.

The second fan (450) is for generating a flow inside the air sterilizer (40) and may be provided in the second path (P2). The second fan (450) may be configured to form an air flow in which air introduced into the inside of the air sterilizer is directed toward the ultraviolet sterilization module (441).

The ultraviolet sterilization module (441) and the second fan (450) may be arranged along the second path (P2). For example, the ultraviolet sterilization module (441) and the second fan (450) may be arranged along the first direction (Z). For example, the second fan (450) may be arranged below the ultraviolet sterilization module (441). The second fan (450) may be arranged between the second inlet (411) and the ultraviolet sterilization module (441). When the second fan (450) is driven, air introduced through the second inlet (411) may sequentially pass through the second fan (450) and the ultraviolet sterilization module (441) and be discharged through the second outlet (412). However, the arrangement of the second fan (450) is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be arranged above the ultraviolet sterilization module (441).

The air cleaner (10) can be assembled to be connected to the air sterilizer (40). The air cleaner (10) can be detachably assembled to the air sterilizer (40). For example, the air cleaner (10) can include a first coupling portion (150) provided to be coupled to the air sterilizer (40). For example, the first coupling portion (150) can be coupled to a second coupling portion (460) provided at the bottom of the air sterilizer (40), so that the air cleaner and the air sterilizer (40) can be connected.

The air purifier (1000) may include an intermediate duct (50). The intermediate duct (50) may be provided between the housing (110) of the air purifier (10) and the housing (410) of the air sterilizer (40). The intermediate duct (50) may connect the housing (110) of the air purifier (10) and the housing (410) of the air sterilizer (40).

The intermediate duct (50) may be connected to the discharge port (112) and the second inlet port (411), respectively. The intermediate duct (50) may be provided so that at least a portion of the air discharged from the discharge port (112) flows into the second inlet port (411). The air sterilizer (40) may have the second inlet port (411) connected to the air cleaner (10), and accordingly, the air from which dust has been removed by the air cleaner (10) may be sterilized by the ultraviolet sterilization module (441) of the air sterilizer (40).

In the air purifying device (1000) according to the above-described embodiment, at least a portion of the air from which foreign substances have been removed by the air purifier (10) can be delivered to the air sterilizer (40). The air delivered to the air sterilizer (40) is sterilized by the ultraviolet light source (442) of the ultraviolet sterilization module (441) and discharged to the outside through the second discharge port (412).

In the air purifier (10) according to the embodiment, air with most foreign substances removed by the dust collection filter (210) and the pre-filter (220) can be delivered to the air sterilizer (40). If air with a minimum of foreign substances is delivered to the air sterilizer (40), the performance degradation of the ultraviolet light source (442) due to the foreign substances can be prevented, and the life of the ultraviolet sterilization module (441) can be secured.

For the purpose of understanding the invention, reference numerals have been given to preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific terms have been used to describe the embodiments, but the invention is not limited by the specific terms, and the invention may include all components that can be commonly conceived by those skilled in the art.

The specific implementations described in the invention are examples only and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the connections or lack of connections between the components illustrated in the drawings are merely illustrative of functional connections and/or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or represented as various additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in an actual device. In addition, if there is no specific mention such as “essential,” “important,” etc., it may not be a component absolutely necessary for the application of the invention. The expressions “including,” “having,” etc. used herein are used to be understood as terms of the open-ended end of the technology.

The use of the term "above" and similar referential terms in the specification of the invention (especially in the claims) may be in both singular and plural. In addition, when a range is described in the invention, it is included in the invention that applies individual values belonging to the range (unless otherwise stated), and it is the same as describing each individual value constituting the range in the detailed description of the invention. Finally, unless the order of the steps constituting the method according to the present invention is explicitly stated or otherwise stated to the contrary, the steps may be performed in any appropriate order. The invention is not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) in the present invention is merely for the purpose of describing the invention in detail, and the scope of the invention is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms unless otherwise limited by the claims. In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be easily made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

An air purifier and an air purifying device according to an embodiment can include a sealing portion in surface contact with a filter assembly to prevent air passing through the filter assembly from leaking.

In another embodiment, an air purifier and an air purifying device enhance the air purifier performance by reinforcing the airtightness of a filter, while restricting movement of the airtight part to allow a user to conveniently replace the filter.

An air purifier according to an embodiment may include: a housing; an internal frame disposed inside the housing; a filter assembly that removes foreign substances in air introduced into the inside of the housing and is detachably mounted on the internal frame; and a sealing member that is disposed so as to be movable in one direction on the internal frame and is disposed between the internal frame and the filter assembly and supported by an upper surface of the filter assembly.

The above-mentioned confidential portion may have a hollow portion extending along the above-mentioned one direction and may include a confidential support body extending in a shape corresponding to the periphery of the upper surface of the above-mentioned filter assembly.

The above-mentioned confidential part may further include a stopper arranged to be fixed to an upper portion of the confidential support and limiting a range of movement of the confidential support in the above-mentioned one direction.

The inner frame may include an opening on one side thereof that is open to allow mounting and dismounting of the filter assembly, and the sealing member may include a guide surface having an inclined surface having a predetermined inclination angle to guide a movement path of the filter assembly moving through the opening, the sealing member being disposed on one side of the sealing support.

The invention may further include an elastic member disposed between the above-described confidential portion and the inner frame, and applying pressure to the confidential portion along the one direction between the inner frame and the confidential portion.

The above elastic member may include at least one of a tension hook or a spring.

The above elastic member includes a plurality of tension hooks, and each of the plurality of tension hooks is disposed on the airtight support and may have a height corresponding to a distance between the airtight support and the airtight mounting portion provided on the inner frame.

The above-mentioned confidential part is arranged on the outer surface of the confidential support body and may further include at least one protrusion extending parallel to the above-mentioned one direction.

The above filter assembly may include an entry guide portion having a curved shape with a predetermined curvature, which is arranged along the outer periphery of the upper surface of the above filter assembly.

It may further include a sealing portion extending along the periphery of the above-mentioned confidential portion and positioned at the lower portion of the above-mentioned confidential portion.

The above sealing portion may include at least one of foam lex and foam PE.

The above filter assembly may include a dust collection filter detachably mounted to the inner frame along a mounting direction perpendicular to the one direction, and a pre-filter detachably mounted to the dust collection filter in a direction parallel to the mounting direction and disposed on a flow path toward the dust collection filter.

An air purifying device according to an embodiment may include an air purifier configured to remove dust from the air and an air sterilizer configured to sterilize air from which the dust has been removed.

Claims

Housing (110);

An internal frame (120) arranged inside the above housing;

A filter assembly (200) that removes foreign substances in the air that has entered the interior of the housing and is detachably mounted on the inner frame; and

A sealing member (300) is disposed so as to be movable in one direction on the inner frame, and is disposed between the inner frame and the filter assembly and supported by the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly;

Air purifier.
In the first paragraph,

The above-mentioned confidential part has a hollow portion extending along the above-mentioned direction and includes a confidential support (310) extending in a shape corresponding to the periphery of the upper surface of the above-mentioned filter assembly.

Air purifier.
In the second paragraph,

The above confidential part further includes a stopper (320) that is arranged to be fixed to the upper part of the confidential support and limits the range of movement of the confidential support in the one direction.

Air purifier.
In the second or third paragraph,

The above inner frame includes an opening (123) on one side to enable mounting and dismounting of the filter assembly,

The above-mentioned confidential part is arranged on one side of the confidential support body and includes a guide surface (330) having an inclined surface having a predetermined inclination angle to guide the movement path of the filter assembly moving through the opening.

Air purifier.
In any one of the second to fourth paragraphs,

It further includes an elastic member (350) disposed between the confidential part and the inner frame, and applying pressure to the confidential part along the one direction between the inner frame and the confidential part.

Air purifier.
In paragraph 5,

The above elastic member comprises at least one of a tension hook (351) or a spring.

Air purifier.
In Article 6,

The elastic member includes a plurality of tension hooks, and each of the plurality of tension hooks is arranged on the airtight support (310) and has a height corresponding to a distance between the airtight support and the airtight mounting member (122) provided on the inner frame.

Air purifier.
In any one of the provisions of paragraphs 2 to 7,

The above-mentioned confidential part is arranged on the outer surface of the confidential support body and further includes at least one protrusion (340) extending parallel to the one direction.

Air purifier.
In any one of paragraphs 4 to 7,

The above filter assembly is arranged along the outer circumference of the upper surface of the above filter assembly and includes an entry guide portion (212) having a curved shape having a predetermined curvature.

Air purifier.
In any one of claims 1 to 9,

It further includes a sealing portion (360) extending along the circumference of the above-mentioned confidential portion and positioned at the lower portion of the above-mentioned confidential portion.

Air purifier.
In Article 10,

The above sealing portion comprises at least one of foam lex and foam PE.

Air purifier.
In any one of claims 1 to 11,

The above filter assembly

A dust collection filter (210) detachably mounted along a mounting direction perpendicular to the above-mentioned one direction on the above-mentioned inner frame, and

A pre-filter (220) is detachably mounted on the dust collecting filter in a direction parallel to the mounting direction and is arranged on a path toward the dust collecting filter.

Air purifier.
An air purifying device (1000) comprising an air purifier configured to remove dust in the air and an air sterilizer (40) configured to sterilize air from which the dust has been removed.

The above air purifier,

Housing (110);

An internal frame (120) arranged inside the above housing;

A filter assembly (200) that removes foreign substances in the air that has entered the interior of the housing and is detachably mounted on the inner frame; and

A sealing member (300) is disposed so as to be movable in one direction on the inner frame, and is disposed between the inner frame and the filter assembly and supported by the upper surface (211) of the filter assembly;

Air purifier.
In Article 13,

The above-mentioned confidential part has a hollow portion extending along the above-mentioned direction and includes a confidential support (310) extending in a shape corresponding to the periphery of the upper surface of the above-mentioned filter assembly.

Air purifier.
In Article 14,

The above confidential part further includes a stopper (320) that is arranged to be fixed to the upper part of the confidential support and limits the range of movement of the confidential support in the one direction.

Air purifier.